Pope Leo XIV surgery is expected “in the coming days” after a nodule was detected on his lung during a medical examination, the pontiff told the faithful on Sunday in St Peter’s Square.
Addressing pilgrims during his weekly Angelus, he said doctors had identified an early, well localised mass and advised intervention, which he has agreed to. He reassured those gathered that the growth was contained and discovered at an early stage.
The 71-year-old pope closed his remarks by thanking people for their spiritual support and said he entrusted himself to their prayers.
Pope Leo XIV surgery and recovery plans
According to Holy See Press Office spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the operation is scheduled for the first days of next week. Bruni said the pope is expected to need about a week to recover.
Vatican News reported that the procedure will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The facility maintains a dedicated papal suite established after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, which remains in use.
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Provost, became the 267th Bishop of Rome in 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. He is the first American to hold the office.
Ordained in 1982, he spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he is remembered for work with marginalised communities and efforts to build bridges.
Vatican News reported that the procedure will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The facility maintains a dedicated papal suite established after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, which remains in use.
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Provost, became the 267th Bishop of Rome in 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. He is the first American to hold the office. Ordained in 1982, he spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he is remembered for work with marginalised communities and efforts to build bridges.
He is the first American to hold the office. Ordained in 1982, he spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he is remembered for work with marginalised communities and efforts to build bridges.