Pope Leo to have "nodule" removed from lung

Axios · 10/11/2026, 10:53:47 AM

Pope Leo said Sunday tests had discovered a nodule in his lung , which he will have removed surgically this week. The big picture: The first American pontiff , aged 71, is less than 18 months into a papacy that has been defined by public stances at odds with the White House , including clashes over immigration and deep skepticism about AI. What he's saying: "Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe surgery is appropriate," the pope said during public remarks, per a translation from the Vatican. "Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers." The pope did not explicitly say the nodule was malignant. Vatican officials later said the operation would be in the next few days and the recovery would take about a week. Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.