Pope Leo XIV To Undergo Surgery For Lung Nodule Removal

Duluth Superior, MN, October 12, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery for the removal of a lung nodule. The procedure will take place at a hospital.

Specific details regarding the date of the surgery, the name of the hospital, or the medical team performing the procedure were not immediately available. The Vatican has not released further information concerning the Pope’s condition or the specifics of the upcoming medical intervention.

Lung nodules are typically small, round or oval-shaped spots that can be found on lung imaging scans. They are often detected incidentally during medical examinations for other conditions. The vast majority of lung nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, they are usually monitored or investigated further to determine their nature.

The procedure to remove a lung nodule, often referred to as a lung nodule resection or biopsy, depends on the size, location, and characteristics of the nodule, as well as the overall health of the patient. Surgical options can range from minimally invasive techniques to more extensive procedures. The exact nature of the surgical approach for Pope Leo XIV has not been disclosed.

Further updates are anticipated from the Holy See as the situation develops. The Pope’s health is a matter of significant public interest, and official communications are expected to provide clarity on his condition and recovery timeline following the surgery.

Story summarized from the original created by Sue Holt on www.wdio.com, see more information here.