Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung nodule surgery in coming days

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-11 15:55:48 UTC

The 71-year-old pope announced he will have surgery this week after a small lung nodule was found at an early stage during a medical check.

Pope Leo XIV said Sunday he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule detected at a very early stage during recent medical checks. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

The 71-year-old American pontiff, who became pope in 2025, has no previously known health issues and leads an active lifestyle. [2] [5]

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support, and the Vatican said a week of recovery is expected after the operation. [5]

Sources

1. 🔴Pope Leo says will undergo surgery for early-stage lung nodule

   France 24 English · 2026-10-11 10:35:34 UTC · Full text

2. Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery to remove lump on lung

   DW English · 2026-10-11 11:49:00 UTC · Full text

3. Pope Leo to have surgery after lump found on lung

   BBC World · 2026-10-11 11:55:49 UTC · Full text

4. Pope Leo Will Have Surgery to Remove Growth on Lung

   NY Times · 2026-10-11 12:55:53 UTC · Summary only

5. Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

   Al Jazeera · 2026-10-11 14:59:38 UTC · Full text

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