VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery this week to remove "a localized nodule" in his lung that was "detected at a very early stage." This marks the first medical event of his 17-month papacy. The Vatican announced that he will be admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Tuesday, with a predicted recovery time of one week.
A lung nodule is defined as a small abnormal area measuring less than 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) across, which is sometimes found during a CT scan for other health issues, such as trauma or lung infection, according to the American Cancer Society. Experts indicate that the nodule could be either benign or malignant, emphasizing the importance of prompt evaluation.
Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, stated that if the nodule is cancerous and removed at an early stage, the prognosis is "excellent," and surgery alone may suffice as treatment.
At 71 years old, Pope Leo is considered otherwise healthy and physically fit, which are positive factors for his recovery. He noted that the nodule was discovered during "recent medical tests," and the Vatican clarified that no specific health issue prompted the check-up, describing it as "routine."
The Vatican confirmed that Leo will be admitted to the hospital on Tuesday morning and will undergo surgery in the early part of the week. Oncologists not involved in his treatment mentioned that patients can often be discharged after just a few days to continue recovery at home.
While the exact date of the surgery has not been disclosed, Leo had a full schedule of audiences and appointments on Monday morning and afternoon.
The pope will receive treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital, formally known as the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, a nonprofit Catholic teaching hospital affiliated with the Catholic Sacred Heart University. The facility includes a special apartment for pontiffs on the 10th floor, which features a private chapel. Leo's immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, was treated there prior to his death in May 2025, which was caused by a long illness stemming from a respiratory crisis.
Pope John Paul II spent significant time at Gemelli, referring to it as "Vatican III" due to his frequent stays there.
Pope Leo has several activities planned for this week. In addition to his regular meetings, he was scheduled to celebrate a public Mass on Wednesday to conclude a weeklong conference on family ministry. It remains unclear if another individual will lead the Mass in his absence.
Additionally, Leo has a major trip scheduled from November 6 to 17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It is uncertain whether the surgery and recovery will impact this itinerary, which includes a dozen flights, two helicopter rides, and significant altitude changes in Peru. Leo expressed earlier that he still intends to make the trip.
The Vatican does not have specific regulations regarding succession if a pope becomes completely incapacitated. Even if unconscious during surgery, Leo will retain his authority as pope. Both Pope Francis and St. John Paul II maintained their roles during lengthy hospitalizations, continuing to make appointments and issue statements from the hospital. A team of officials manages day-to-day operations at the Vatican.
Advancements in medicine and the longer lifespans of popes have raised discussions about the need for the Vatican to prepare for a situation where a pope may become too ill or incapacitated to govern.
Two days before announcing his surgery, Leo confirmed a significant appointment, approving Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new dean of the College of Cardinals. Tagle, 69, replaces Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 92, whose term was extended by Francis prior to his death.
The dean plays a crucial role in papal transitions, presiding over the previous pope's funeral and leading the cardinals' meetings before the conclave to discuss the church's future. If under 80 when the conclave begins, the dean also oversees the secret election of a new pope in the Sistine Chapel.
The Vatican released a letter from Leo to Re on Sunday, thanking him for his lifelong service to the church and acknowledging his contributions during the recent papal transition, particularly his role in celebrating Francis' funeral. "I do not think I am mistaken in saying that you, Your Eminence, have been and remain one of the Holy See's best-known and most esteemed servants," Leo wrote.