Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, that he will undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule discovered in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff stated during his noon blessing that the lesion was found at an early stage and is "circumscribed."
The Vatican confirmed the procedure is scheduled for the early days of the week following the announcement. Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni stated that the pope is expected to recover for approximately one week after the operation. While the Vatican did not specify the hospital, CBS News reported he is expected to be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which maintains a private apartment for the pope.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, was appointed in May 2025 as the first American pope. An Augustinian friar and citizen of both the United States and Peru, he has no previously known health problems. The Vatican describes him as physically active, noting he participates in weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
The health of the 71-year-old leader affects the administration of the Roman Catholic Church, which includes approximately 1.3 billion members worldwide. This surgical intervention occurs during the second year of Leo XIV’s papacy, a period in which he has maintained a physically active schedule. It is unclear if the recovery period will affect a scheduled apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.
The itinerary for the trip is set for November, and the pope specifically requested prayers for the Peru portion of the visit during his Sunday address. Sources report the trip dates as either Nov. 6-17 or Nov. 7-16. Any lingering health complications following the lung surgery could necessitate a delegation of his duties or a reduction in his international engagements.
The procedure also draws attention to the leadership of the first American pope, who recently used his platform to address international policy. On Saturday, Oct. 10, the day before his surgery announcement, he reiterated the Church's stance that capital punishment is "inadmissible" following reports of a planned execution by firing squad in the United States. What happens next depends on the outcome of the surgery scheduled for early in the week of Oct. 11, 2026, with a week-long recovery to follow before the Vatican clarifies the status of his November travel plans.