Pope Leo announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week after doctors found a "localized nodule" on his lung during a recent medical appointment.
During his weekly Sunday prayer in St Peter's Square, the American-born pontiff said the growth was "well-contained." The operation is already scheduled, he said, thanking the faithful for their prayers.
Recovery expected in about a week
Papal spokesperson Matteo Bruni said "the operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week," according to Vatican News.
The small growth marks the first major health issue the 71-year-old has publicly faced in his one-and-a-half-year tenure. Elected in May 2025, Leo is the first pope ever born in the United States.
He is scheduled to embark on an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 through 17 — a trip that now falls just weeks after the planned procedure.
Leo has been an outspoken voice for international peace and has openly criticized President Donald Trump's ongoing Iran war, drawing criticism in response from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Sources:
- Pope Leo will undergo surgery to remove nodule from lung — USA Today (with Reuters)
During his weekly Sunday prayer in St Peter's Square, the American-born pontiff said the growth was "well-contained." The operation is already scheduled, he said, thanking the faithful for their prayers.
Recovery expected in about a week
Papal spokesperson Matteo Bruni said "the operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week," according to Vatican News.
The small growth marks the first major health issue the 71-year-old has publicly faced in his one-and-a-half-year tenure. Elected in May 2025, Leo is the first pope ever born in the United States.
He is scheduled to embark on an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 through 17 — a trip that now falls just weeks after the planned procedure.
Leo has been an outspoken voice for international peace and has openly criticized President Donald Trump's ongoing Iran war, drawing criticism in response from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Sources:
- Pope Leo will undergo surgery to remove nodule from lung — USA Today (with Reuters)
