Lung Nodule to Be Removed as Pope Leo XIV Prepares for Surgery.
Pope Leo XIV is discussing his physical well-being. On October 11, at the Sunday Angelus prayer in Rome, Italy, the religious leader, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, revealed that he would be having surgery to remove a lump from one of his lungs.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” according to a Vatican press release, Pope Leo informed those assembled in St. Peter's Square. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
“The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days,” he remarked. “I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers. Thank you, and happy Sunday!”
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In a statement, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, added that the procedure, which is scheduled to occur at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, “is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week."
As stated, according to the Mayo Clinic, lung nodules are a frequent illness caused by tiny cell aggregates in the lungs. Most lung nodules are scars left by past infections and usually cause no symptoms. Instead, “They're often found by accident on a chest X-ray or CT scan done for some other reason.”
After Pope Francis passed away in May 2025, the Chicago native was chosen by the College of Cardinals to become the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Additionally, the 71-year-old delivered a uniting message in his inaugural speech as Pope Leo XIV.
"We can be a missionary church,” he informed the audience and the millions of viewers worldwide, “a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone—just like in this square, to welcome everyone, in charity, dialogue and love.”
Pope Leo went on, citing the last Easter blessing that Pope Francis bestowed prior to his passing in April, “Allow me to continue that same blessing: God loves everyone; evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. So without fear, united hand and hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward."
