Metro Manila, Philippines – Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.
Speaking to the faithful gathered for the Angelus prayer, the pontiff said the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was confined to a specific area.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” the Pope said, according to a working English translation of his remarks released by Vatican News.
The Pope said his doctors had recommended surgically removing the nodule, a procedure he had agreed to undergo.
“The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days,” he said.
The pontiff also thanked Catholics around the world for their support and asked them to remember him in their prayers.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
The announcement marks a significant health disclosure by Pope Leo XIV, who was elected to lead the Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican has yet to announce the exact date of the operation, identify the hospital where it will take place, or provide details about the Pope’s expected recovery period.
The announcement also did not disclose the nature of the nodule or whether further medical examinations would be required.
With reports from Vatican News.
