Pope Leo XIV undergoes planned surgery for early-stage lung nodule at Gemelli Hospital

Pope Leo XIV was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday for a procedure to remove a small lung nodule.

The 71-year-old pontiff said on Monday that doctors had discovered the nodule at a very early stage and recommended its removal. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that the surgery should be brief and that the Pope is likely to remain hospitalized for about a week.

“Speaking after delivering the Angelus at St. Peter’s Square on Monday, Pope Leo said, “Doctors found a small lump in the lung, identified at a very early stage and in a favorable location.””

Pope Leo XIV announces early-stage lung nodule and plans surgery in coming days

Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung in Rome on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Pope continued, “The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene, and following their advice I have decided to have surgery to remove it. The procedure is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.”

According to Vatican sources, the surgery is expected to be performed within the coming days at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a facility often referred to as the “Pope’s” hospital.

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The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is malignant, and no additional details about the diagnosis or the specifics of the procedure have been released.

Pope Leo XIV steps out as the first American pope in history at the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Vatican Media)

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According to The Associated Press, Pope Leo maintains an active lifestyle, regularly playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

He is also slated to embark on a major international tour from November 6 through November 17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It remains uncertain whether the surgery and subsequent recovery will impact those travel arrangements.

Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian territory are reportedly pushing President Putin toward the negotiating table, according to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO

Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

During his Sunday remarks, Pope Leo not only addressed his health but also renewed his call for peace in war‑torn Ukraine, emphasizing that the conflict continues to cause suffering far beyond its borders.

Fox News’ Courtney Walsh and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. 

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