Pope Leo XIV's planned lung surgery: What the lung nodule means, why it needs to be removed and what will happen next

Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery to remove a small nodule in his lung after doctors discovered the growth during recent medical exams, raising questions about the condition, the procedure and what it could mean for the pope’s health.

Pope Leo XIV will undergo the operation

The 71-year-old pontiff announced the planned surgery during his Sunday Angelus address on Oct. 11, telling the faithful that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well located.

He said the doctors recommended surgery and he decided to follow their advice.

TOPSHOT – People walk in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Oct. 12, 2026. Pope Leo XIV said on Oct. 11, 2026 that he will undergo surgery this week to remove a lump on his lung, the first time a pope has made a personal medical statement of this kind. (Photo by Tiziano FABI / AFP)(AFP)

According to Vatican News, Leo is due to be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13. The Vatican estimates his recovery will take about a week, with public meetings suspended until October 20.

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Despite the planned operation, the pope continued with meetings on Monday, including meetings with bishops and members of a charity, Reuters reported.

What is a pulmonary nodule?

A pulmonary nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung, generally measuring up to 3 centimeters in diameter. Such growths may be discovered incidentally during scans performed for other medical reasons, including to investigate infections or other health problems.

A finding does not automatically mean cancer. Pulmonary nodules can be benign, arising from causes such as previous infections or scarring, but some can be malignant.

TOPSHOT – People sit near a life-size carving of Pope Leo XIV inside the Chiclayo Cathedral in the Lambayeque department of northern Peru on October 11, 2026. Pope Leo XIV will be admitted to hospital on October 12, 2026 for surgery to remove a lump from his lung, the Vatican said. He is expected to recover from the operation in time for a planned visit to Latin America next month. He will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on an 11-day official trip from November 6 to 17. (Photo: ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP)(AFP)

Their significance depends on factors including their size, appearance, location, and changes over time.

The Vatican has not released whether Leo’s nodule is benign or cancerous, nor has it released detailed imaging results or a specific diagnosis.

Why do doctors recommend surgery?

The Pope said that his medical team considered the operation an appropriate procedure. Removing the nodule may allow doctors to examine the tissue and, depending on the diagnosis, may also treat the underlying condition.

The exact operative technique planned for Lev has not been publicly specified. Some pulmonary nodules can be removed using minimally invasive procedures, although the appropriate procedure depends on the individual case and the characteristics of the growth.

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Medical experts quoted in an Associated Press report noted that when a cancerous lung nodule is identified and removed at an early stage, outcomes can be favorable. This general observation should not be taken as a sign that the Pope has cancer.

TOPSHOT – Pope Leo XIV. The Angel of the Lord waves to the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on October 11, 2026. Pope Leo XIV. On October 11, 2026, he announced that he would undergo surgery “in the coming days” for a lump on his lung, saying that it was found very early. “During recent medical checks, a nodule was found on my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is very localized,” the 71-year-old said in a weekly speech in St Peter’s Square. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)(AFP)

Will the operation affect his papal duties?

The Vatican said the operation would require changes to Leo’s immediate schedule, with public procurement suspended during his expected recovery. The administration of the Holy See will continue to function as long as it does not perform public duties.

The Pope is also scheduled to complete an 11-day pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. No changes to this route have been announced as of Monday.

Elected Pope in May 2025, Leo continued his public engagements in the days leading up to the operation. His decision to make the medical report public has also provided a degree of transparency about his health, although important details remain private.