Pope Leo XIV is expected to be admitted to hospital today for surgery to remove a nodule from his lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed on Sunday that he would undergo the operation in the coming days after doctors discovered the growth during recent medical examinations, reports AFP.
The procedure, expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, will mark the first time Leo has been hospitalised since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed on Monday that the Pope would be admitted to the hospital in the late morning on Tuesday.
The Vatican indicated that his recovery could take approximately one week.
Speaking to worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Leo said doctors had detected the pulmonary nodule at an early stage and recommended its removal.
“The doctors believe it would be right to intervene and so, following their advice, I have decided to have the operation to remove it,” he said.
What is a pulmonary nodule?
A pulmonary nodule is a small growth of tissue in the lung. Although most are benign and non-cancerous, some may be associated with more serious conditions, including early-stage lung cancer.
Small nodules often produce no symptoms and may be discovered incidentally during medical examinations for other conditions.
Larger growths can sometimes cause symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Surgical procedures to remove lung nodules may be performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the nature and location of the growth and the patient’s medical condition.
The Vatican has not disclosed further details about the nature of the Pope’s nodule or indicated that it is cancerous.
Gemelli Hospital’s history with the papacy
Gemelli Hospital, located in Rome, has a long history of treating pontiffs and is equipped with facilities dedicated to papal patients.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, spent several weeks at the hospital receiving treatment before his death in 2025.
Pope John Paul II, who led the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005, was also treated at the facility on nine occasions.
The hospital’s dedicated papal suite reportedly includes accommodation for the pontiff, facilities for medical personnel, a kitchen, rest areas and a small chapel.
Pope expected to travel to Latin America
Despite the planned operation, Leo is expected to recover in time for a scheduled 11-day visit to Latin America from November 6 to 17.
The trip is expected to take him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the United States, Leo became the first American to lead the Catholic Church following his election in May 2025.
Since assuming the papacy, he has gradually established his leadership style while addressing major international and religious issues, including armed conflicts and the implications of artificial intelligence.
