Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery After Doctors Discover Lung Nodule
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery after doctors discovered a small nodule in his lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to be admitted to hospital on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, for the procedure, which aims to remove the growth.
The discovery followed medical examinations, with the Pope indicating that the nodule had been identified at an early stage. His medical team subsequently recommended surgery to address the condition.
Despite the upcoming operation, Pope Leo continued carrying out his official responsibilities at the Vatican on Monday. His hospital admission is expected to interrupt some of his scheduled activities while he undergoes treatment and recovers.
The anticipated recovery period is approximately one week, although his medical condition and progress following the operation will determine when he can fully resume his duties.
A lung nodule is a small growth of tissue that can develop for several reasons. Its presence does not automatically mean a person has cancer, and further medical assessment is needed to determine its nature.
Pope Leo XIV was elected leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025, becoming the first American-born pope. He leads a global Catholic community with approximately 1.4 billion members.
The upcoming procedure places the Pope’s health in the spotlight as Catholics around the world await further information about his recovery.
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