Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery to Remove Small Growth on Lung

Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo lung surgery to remove a small growth in his lung. Doctors discovered the growth during a recent medical examination and said it was detected at an early stage.

The 71-year-old pope is expected to recover in about a week, according to reports.

The pope shared the news with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, October 11. He said doctors had advised him to undergo surgery and that he had decided to follow their recommendation.

The Vatican has not confirmed whether the growth is cancerous or provided further details about his health condition.

• Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery to remove a small growth
• Vatican says Pope Leo’s lung growth was detected at an early stage
• Pope Leo’s November Latin America visit may depend on his recovery

Pope Says Lung Growth Was Found Early

Pope Leo said doctors discovered a small, localised lung nodule during recent medical tests. According to reports, the growth was detected early and was well-contained.

Following medical advice, the pope agreed to undergo surgery to remove the lung growth. The operation is expected to take place in the coming days, although the Vatican has not released details about the exact procedure.

The announcement has raised questions about the pope’s health as he continues his duties as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Leo was elected pope in May 2025, becoming the first American to hold the position. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 after facing several health problems.

At 71, Leo is younger than many of his recent predecessors. He is known to enjoy activities such as tennis, and no major health concerns had previously been widely reported during his time as pope.

A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that can develop for several reasons. Such growths are not always cancerous, and doctors may need further tests to determine their nature. The Vatican has not said whether the growth found in the pope’s lung is benign or malignant.

The expected recovery period is around one week. However, it remains unclear whether the pope will need to cancel or postpone any public appearances while recovering from the operation.

Latin America Visit Planned for November

The surgery comes ahead of Pope Leo’s planned Latin America visit from November 6 to November 17. The trip is expected to include stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

The pope referred to his upcoming visit during his Sunday address and thanked people for their prayers. The Vatican has not confirmed whether the surgery will affect his November travel plans.

The visit is expected to give Leo an opportunity to meet Catholic communities across the region and strengthen the Church’s ties with local congregations. Any changes to the schedule will likely depend on his recovery and the advice of his doctors.

News of the planned surgery also drew messages of support from political leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished the pope well and expressed her support ahead of the procedure.

The pope’s health is an important concern as he continues to balance religious responsibilities, public appearances and international travel. For now, the Vatican has said the growth was detected early and that recovery is expected to take about a week.

Further information about the Pope Leo surgery and the pope’s condition may be released after the procedure. Until then, the Vatican has not indicated whether the growth poses a serious health risk or whether his upcoming engagements will be affected.

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The announcement has also brought attention to Vatican health updates and the medical care required to support the pope as he carries out his responsibilities. The Church is expected to provide further information as details become available.