Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery this week to remove a nodular lesion found in his lung, the Vatican confirmed Sunday. The pope, 71, announced the procedure himself during his Sunday noon blessing on Oct. 11, 2026, telling the crowd the lesion was found during recent medical checks.
“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he said. He added, “Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”
What The Vatican Announced About The Pope Leo XIV Lung Surgery
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the pope would be hospitalized in the first days of this week, though he did not specify an exact date. Leo is expected to be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which keeps a dedicated apartment set aside for the pope.
The lesion was discovered during recent medical checks and was described as being in an early stage and circumscribed, meaning it was clearly contained. Recovery from the surgery is expected to take about a week.
What It Means For Pope Leo XIV’s Schedule
Pope Leo XIV, an American who has no previously known health problems, is known for staying physically active. He plays tennis weekly and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
The pope has a major trip planned Nov. 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. He told the gathered crowd Sunday that he still intends to make the journey, though it remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery period will affect that itinerary.
Background
Sunday’s announcement marked the first public word of any health issue for Leo since he became pope. The news comes as he continues a schedule that has included gatherings on family ministry, detailed in Total Apex Entertainment’s coverage of his Vatican meeting on family ministry, and international travel such as the trip covered in Total Apex Entertainment’s report on his visit to France.
What’s Next
The Vatican has not released the exact date of the hospitalization beyond saying it will fall in the first days of this week. No further details on the type of procedure or the specific diagnostic tests that led to the discovery have been released. Pope Leo XIV’s recovery is expected to take roughly a week, and his planned November trip to South America remains on his calendar for now.
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