Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during a recent medical examination, with the Vatican indicating that his recovery could take approximately one week.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, 2026, telling worshippers that the abnormality had been detected at an early stage and was well localised.
The announcement marks a significant health development during Leo XIV’s pontificate and places attention on his upcoming medical procedure and the potential effect on his immediate schedule.
According to information released by the Vatican, the operation is expected to take place in the early days of the week. Officials have indicated that the anticipated recovery period is about seven days.
Early detection offers important medical information
The pope described the lung nodule as having been identified early and as being well circumscribed, suggesting that the abnormality was localised.
However, the discovery of a lung nodule does not, by itself, establish whether it is benign or malignant. Its nature can only be determined through appropriate medical assessment and, where necessary, examination of tissue removed during surgery.
No confirmed diagnosis beyond the reported nodule has been disclosed in the information available.
The expected recovery period will depend on the procedure and the pontiff’s postoperative progress, although the Vatican has indicated that approximately one week is anticipated.
Vatican schedule under attention
The planned operation could affect some of the pope’s immediate engagements, including a closing Mass scheduled for Wednesday at the end of a weeklong conference on family ministry.
Vatican officials have indicated that his participation may be affected by the medical procedure and recovery period.
The announcement has also drawn attention to the pope’s wider schedule, including a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. No change to that trip was confirmed in the information available at the time of reporting.
Leo XIV has thanked people for their concern and prayers as he prepares for the operation.
Further updates from the Vatican are expected to clarify the outcome of the procedure, the pontiff’s recovery and whether any scheduled engagements will need to be adjusted.
For now, the immediate priority is the successful completion of the operation and the pope’s recovery.