Pope Leo to undergo surgery in coming days after nodule discovered on his lung

Pope Leo has said he is to undergo surgery to remove a nodule on his lung.

The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement during his morning weekly Sunday noon blessing from St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

During the Angelus, as pilgrims listened in the square, Leo said: "Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors discovered a well-defined lung nodule, detected at a very early stage and clearly localised.

"The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene, and so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed.

"The procedure has already been scheduled for the coming days. I thank you and entrust myself to your prayers."

The Vatican said in a statement: "The surgery will be the first days of next week. The post operation recovery will be around one week."

He also made a similar announcement on the social media site X.

Pope Leo XIV, who is originally from the US, has no previously known health problems and is known to be physically active, with weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

The surgery will not affect his scheduled trip next month to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, Sky News understands.

His treatment will take place at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. He is expected to be there between tomorrow and Wednesday, Sky understands.

His predecessor, the late Pope Francis, died ⁠at the age of 88 and was increasingly frail in his later years.

Reacting to the news, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said: "I would like to express to the Holy Father my personal closeness and that of the Italian Government as he faces the challenge that lies ahead in the coming days.

"The calm and serenity with which he spoke about it during today's Angelus are reassuring. I am certain that the Italian people, too, will offer him their unwavering support and affection."

(c) Sky News 2026: Pope Leo to undergo surgery in coming days after nodule discovered on his lung