Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery after doctors discovered an early-stage, localized nodule on his lung during recent medical testing. The 71-year-old pontiff announced the development Sunday during his weekly noon prayer at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

“Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung,” Leo said in Italian from a window of the Apostolic Palace. Pilgrims had gathered below for the weekly prayer, according to NBC News.

The pope stressed that doctors caught the nodule early and that it remains confined. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” Leo told the crowd.

Doctors recommended removing the nodule, and Leo said he had accepted their advice. “The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed.”

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The procedure has already been scheduled and will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Leo told the faithful that the operation would occur “for the coming days,” while thanking them for their support.

“I entrust myself to your prayers,” the pope said. His request was met with warm applause from those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.

— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) October 11, 2026

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, later provided more detail while responding to questions from journalists. He specified that “the operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week.”

A lung nodule is a small abnormal area measuring less than one inch that can appear on a CT scan of the chest or abdomen, according to the American Cancer Society, as cited by the Associated Press. Such scans are often conducted while doctors investigate trauma or a lung infection rather than as part of lung cancer screening.

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Leo has no previously known health problems and has maintained a physically active routine. He plays weekly tennis games and also enjoys swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

The pope, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, has a major trip planned for November that includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It remains unclear whether the surgery and expected recovery period will affect that itinerary, according to SKY News.

Gemelli Hospital maintains a special papal suite that was established following the failed assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in May 1981. The suite remains in use and will accommodate Leo during his postoperative care.

The announcement also drew messages of support from Italian leaders. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who was among the few outsiders to visit Pope Francis during his long final hospitalization, expressed her support and that of her government as Leo prepares for the procedure.

Meloni said “the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it” were reassuring. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also offered “my sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health,” according to the BBC.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog joined the public expressions of support. He wished the pontiff “a full and speedy recovery”.

Leo’s predecessor, the late Pope Francis, died at age 88 after becoming increasingly frail during his later years. Francis suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was a young man.

For now, the Vatican’s stated timetable places the surgery within the first days of the week and estimates approximately one week for recovery. Leo’s announcement emphasized the early detection, the localized nature of the nodule and his decision to follow his doctors’ recommendation.

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