Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, localised nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
According to the Pope, doctors detected the nodule at a very early stage and determined that surgical removal was advisable.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised,” he said.
He added that he had decided to follow his doctors’ advice and undergo the procedure, which had already been scheduled for the coming days.
The Vatican subsequently indicated that the operation was expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital early in the week, with the anticipated post-operative hospital stay lasting approximately one week.
However, officials did not immediately disclose further medical details, including whether the nodule was cancerous. Its discovery does not, by itself, establish a cancer diagnosis.
The Pope thanked the faithful for their support and prayers as he prepared for the procedure.
The announcement comes as the pontiff continues his duties as leader of the Catholic Church. He also has a pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for November 6 to 17, although it was not immediately clear whether the surgery and recovery period would affect the itinerary.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. He is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
Further updates on the Pope’s condition and the outcome of the operation are expected from the Vatican.
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