During his weekly Sunday prayer in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful and shared news about his health. He said that, following the Angelus prayer on Sunday, he had been informed of a medical finding and would undergo a procedure. The announcement came as part of his regular Sunday appearance, where he spoke directly to the crowd gathered in the square. He noted that the information came after recent medical examinations and that he would follow the advice of his doctors.
The Pope explained that doctors had found a localized nodule in his lung. He described the growth as a nodular lesion that was detected at a very early stage and was well‑contained. In his remarks he used phrases such as “circonscrit au poumon,” “à un stade très précoce,” and “un nodulo al polmone allo stato iniziale e ben localizzato.” These statements all point to a small, early‑stage lesion that is confined to a specific area of the lung.
Pope to undergo surgery within days as tests find lesion on lung https://t.co/ih0CUb3CD6 https://t.co/CVplshqDRQ
Pope Leo XIV said that the doctors believe it is advisable to intervene. He added, “Les médecins jugent opportun d’intervenir et donc, suivant leurs conseils, j’ai décidé de me faire opérer pour le retirer.” He also echoed this in English, stating, “The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.” Consequently, he decided to proceed with the operation, which he said is already scheduled for the coming days.
He is known for an active lifestyle and that, before this announcement, he had been considered to have no significant health concerns.
The Vatican press office indicated that the Pope’s recovery from the surgery is expected to take approximately one week. This estimate was repeated in several statements, with the office noting a recovery period of about one week and a convalescence time of one week.
Pope to undergo surgery within days as tests find lesion on lung https://t.co/61MNIL7ZT1 https://t.co/iCGVO2nOUZ
Despite the forthcoming surgery, Pope Leo XIV remains physically active. He continues to engage in tennis and swimming at the Castel Gandolfo retreat. He is known for an active lifestyle and that, before this announcement, he had been considered to have no significant health concerns. This episode is described as the first reported health issue for the pontiff.
The Pope’s major travel itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, with the trip planned to begin on 6 November 2023. An apostolic journey to Peru is specifically scheduled for 7 November 2023.
Pope Leo XIV was elected by the world's cardinals on 1 May 2025. His election in May 2025 marks the start of his papacy, and He had not previously faced any notable health challenges.
The Pope’s intention to undergo surgery was communicated on several occasions. Announcements were made on 11 October 2025 and again on 11 October 2026, with variations in wording such as “Pope Leo XIV announces upcoming surgery for a pulmonary nodule,” “Pope Leo XIV announced upcoming lung surgery,” and “Pope Leo announced he would undergo lung nodule surgery.” On the same 11 October 2026 date, the Vatican press office also announced the expected one‑week recovery time.
In his remarks the Pope spoke in several languages. He said in Russian, “Врачи считают целесообразным провести вмешательство, поэтому, следуя их рекомендациям, я решил сделать операцию, чтобы удалить его. Операция уже запланирована на ближайшие дни.” In Italian he noted, “i medici mi hanno trovato un nodulo al polmone allo stato iniziale e ben localizzato. I medici ritengono opportuno intervenire. Seguendo i loro consigli ho deciso di operarmi per toglierlo. L'intervento è già programmato per i prossimi giorni.” He also asked for spiritual support, saying, “per la vostra vicinanza spirituale. Mi affido alla vostra preghiera!” In French he used phrases like “Dans les prochains jours,” “circonscrit au poumon,” “à un stade très précoce,” and “Les médecins jugent opportun d’intervenir et donc, suivant leurs conseils, j’ai décidé de me faire opérer pour le retirer.” These multilingual excerpts reinforce the same core facts about the early‑stage nodule, medical advice, and imminent surgery.