VATICAN CITY | October 11, 2026 | Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the Vatican announced Sunday, with doctors expecting his postoperative hospital stay to last about one week.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the finding after delivering his weekly Angelus blessing in St. Peter’s Square. He said the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localized, adding that he had decided to undergo surgery following his doctors’ recommendation.
“I entrust myself to your prayers,” the pope told the faithful, expressing gratitude for their spiritual support, according to Vatican News.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the procedure was scheduled for the first days of the coming week. Pope Leo is expected to receive treatment at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, a medical center that has treated several recent popes. The Vatican did not disclose further medical details, and no diagnosis of cancer has been announced.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that can have several causes, including infection, inflammation or cancer. Its discovery does not by itself establish a cancer diagnosis. Further medical evaluation is often necessary to determine its nature.
The announcement has also raised questions about the pope’s planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican has not confirmed whether the surgery and recovery period will affect the trip.
Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, became the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. Before his election, he served for years as a missionary and bishop in Peru and later led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.
His predecessor, Francis, died on April 21, 2025, at age 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest following a period of serious respiratory illness. Francis had previously undergone surgery and received treatment at Gemelli Hospital, bringing international attention to the health of the papacy.
Leo has maintained a public schedule that includes religious services, meetings with world leaders and regular addresses to pilgrims. The Vatican has not reported any previous major health problem involving the current pope.
As Catholics around the world await news of the procedure, Leo has asked the faithful to pray for him, while the Vatican’s latest announcement provides no further information about the lung nodule beyond its early detection and planned removal.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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