Pope Leo XIV's Lung Nodule Surgery

Pope Leo XIV, 71, is scheduled for surgery to remove a lung nodule recently detected.

“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined”

Doctors Recommend Intervention

Pope Leo said the doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so he will undergo surgery to remove it.

“The doctors deem it advisable to intervene”

Surgery Timeline

Pope Leo will be admitted to the hospital late tomorrow morning, October 12, ahead of his surgery.

Recovery Period

The Vatican press office announced Pope Leo’s surgery will require a weeklong hospital recovery.

No Specific Issues

The Vatican noted there were no particular issues that prompted the tests that discovered Pope Leo’s lung nodule.

Pope Leo's Background

Leo was named the new pontiff in May 2025 after Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at age 88.

What is a Lung Nodule?

A lung nodule is a small, solid, rounded mass of tissue seen on a chest CT scan or X-ray as a white spot.

Most Nodules Are Benign

About 95 percent of lung nodules are benign, or noncancerous, and do not require immediate action.

When to Worry About Nodules

Lung nodules may cause symptoms if large and close to an airway, such as shortness of breath or cough.

Risk Factors for Concern

Risk factors include age, smoking history, nodule size, density, borders, location, and changes over time.

Healthcare Provider Guidance

Healthcare providers may order bloodwork or a lung biopsy if you have a history of lung disease.