Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations.
The pontiff revealed the news on Sunday, October 11, while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer. He explained that doctors had identified the nodule at an early stage and recommended an operation to remove it.
Leo XIV said he had decided to follow the medical advice and confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled, although he did not disclose the precise date or provide further details about the operation.
Vatican Confirms Expected Hospital Stay in Rome
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told ACI Prensa that the pope’s surgery was scheduled for early in the week.
According to Bruni, Leo XIV is expected to spend approximately one week in hospital following the procedure. His recovery will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, although further details about his condition and the operation have not been announced.
The anticipated hospital stay will require changes to the pope’s immediate schedule, with engagements planned for the coming days set to be cancelled.
Pope Cancels Engagements During Recovery
Among the events affected is the closing Mass of an international meeting on the family marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia.
Leo XIV had been expected to preside over the Mass on Wednesday, alongside the presidents of bishops’ conferences who are gathering at the Vatican.
His absence means the event will proceed without his planned participation, as the pontiff prepares for surgery and the subsequent period of recovery.
Leo XIV Thanks Faithful for Their Prayers
During his announcement in St Peter’s Square, the pope thanked those who had offered spiritual support and asked the faithful to continue praying for him.
His remarks provided the first public explanation of the medical issue and the decision to undergo surgery.
The pontiff emphasised that the nodule had been identified while it was still at an early stage and was well localised. Doctors nevertheless considered surgical removal advisable, and he said he would follow their recommendation.
No further information about the nature of the nodule or a specific diagnosis was provided in the announcement.
Planned Peru Visit Remains on the Pope’s Schedule
Despite the upcoming operation, Leo XIV’s planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17 is not currently expected to be affected, based on his remarks during the Angelus.
The pope specifically mentioned his forthcoming pastoral visit to Peru while greeting members of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles who were present in St Peter’s Square.
He thanked the group for its prayers for the trip, signalling that the visit remained part of his plans at the time of the announcement.
However, the pope’s recovery and any subsequent medical updates will be important in determining whether the itinerary can proceed as scheduled.
Medical Updates Awaited as Pope Prepares for Surgery
The announcement comes as the Vatican prepares for a temporary adjustment to the pontiff’s public engagements while he receives medical care.
The expected week-long hospital stay at Gemelli Hospital will give Leo XIV time to recover after the operation, while his cancelled appearances allow him to focus on his health.
For now, the Vatican has confirmed the planned surgery and anticipated hospitalisation but has not released an exact date for the procedure or additional medical details. Further information about the pope’s recovery and future engagements will determine how his schedule develops in the weeks ahead.
