Pope Leo XIV Announces Upcoming Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule
Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement during his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square.
Seventeen months after his election, Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule. Speaking to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during the Angelus prayer, the pontiff stated that doctors discovered a well-defined nodule at an early stage. He noted that the procedure is scheduled for the coming days.
Background and Election
Leo XIV, 71, was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and made history in May 2025 as the first American pope. He spent many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru before being called to Rome in 2023 by Pope Francis to head the Dicastery for Bishops. He succeeded Francis, who passed away in April 2025 following a prolonged illness and hospitalization.
The doctors believe it is appropriate to intervene, and following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it, said Pope Leo XIV.
International Stance and Travels
During his pontificate, the new pope has maintained an active international schedule. In April, following regional escalations involving Iran, he publicly criticized threats made by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump against the Iranian people, calling them completely unacceptable. Despite his health plans, his upcoming 12-day apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru remains on the agenda.