The operation is scheduled for the first days of this week at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome, which maintains a dedicated apartment for the Pope. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the timeline, specifying that the estimated post-operative recovery time will be approximately one week. Pope Leo stated that he decided to follow the advice of his doctors, thanking the faithful for their spiritual support and entrusting himself to their prayers.
“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 doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it,” Pope Leo said in his remarks on Sunday.
The Pope has no previously known health problems and is known for his physical activity, which includes weekly tennis matches and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. This recent diagnosis follows the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, of a stroke. Pope Francis suffered from chronic lung disease, which had required the partial removal of one of his lungs when he was a young man, and his final hospitalization was triggered by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
While the immediate surgical schedule and recovery period are defined, questions remain regarding the impact on the Pope’s upcoming international itinerary. Pope Leo has a major trip planned from November 6 to 17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Although the surgery and subsequent week-long recovery are set to take place this week, it is not yet clear if the medical procedure will affect the planned travel schedule. However, Pope Leo indicated during his Sunday remarks that he intends to proceed with the trip.
The discovery of the nodule during routine medical checks highlights the importance of early detection in pulmonary health. While the specific nature of the nodule has not been publicly detailed beyond its early stage and localized presence, the decision for surgical removal is consistent with standard medical protocols for managing isolated lung lesions to prevent potential progression. The Vatican has not provided further clinical details regarding the histological nature of the growth, focusing instead on the immediate medical management and the Pope’s continued engagement with his duties.
