Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to undergo surgery to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old Catholic leader made the announcement during his Angelus address at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 11, 2026, explaining that doctors detected the growth at an early stage and recommended an operation.
The Pope said he had accepted the medical advice and that the procedure was scheduled for the coming days. According to the Vatican press office, he is expected to need about one week to recover from the surgery. The announcement has drawn attention to the health of the head of the Catholic Church, although no further details about the nature of the nodule were provided in the supplied report.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, United States, Pope Leo XIV was elected leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His election made him the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
