Pope Leo announces surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV said Sunday he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule from his lung after doctors detected it during medical tests. The 71-year-old pontiff said it was found at a very early stage and is well localized.

“Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung,” Leo told pilgrims during his weekly noon prayer in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking from a window of the Apostolic Palace, he said doctors had advised him to have it removed.

“The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed,” he said. Leo did not give a specific date, saying the operation was scheduled “for the coming days.”

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope was expected to need about a week to recover. Reports differed on the operation’s timing: NBC News quoted Bruni as saying it was scheduled for “the first days of this week,” while the BBC quoted him as saying “the first days of next week.”

Leo made the announcement at the end of his address, after an appeal for an end to the war in Ukraine and for the safe transport of grain across the Black Sea, NBC News reported. “The daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by war,” he said.

After disclosing the planned surgery, Leo thanked those gathered for their support. “I entrust myself to your prayers,” he said. The BBC reported that he also thanked pilgrims for their “spiritual closeness.” Thousands in the square applauded the announcement, according to NBC News.

Leo became the first American pope in 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he spent years working in Peru. According to the BBC, he was ordained in 1982 and is remembered in Peru for working with marginalized communities and helping build bridges. NBC News reported that he also led the Vatican office responsible for bishops.

NBC News said Leo has no previously known health problems and remains physically active, including playing tennis weekly. The outlet also reported that he has a major trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It is unclear whether the surgery and recovery will affect that itinerary.