Pope Leo XIV’s lung surgery is successful, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a small, localised nodule from his lung on Tuesday, the Holy See Press Office has confirmed. 

In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, the Vatican said he returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a hospital often used by Popes. 

The Vatican said the nodule was detected early and was well contained.

"The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it," he said on Sunday, speaking from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square.

The 71-year-old pope announced the planned operation after doctors found the nodule on his lung. The Vatican had said the procedure would take place early this week and that he was expected to remain in hospital for about a week.

Leo, who was elected pope in May 2025, has not publicly reported previous health problems. He enjoys sports, including tennis, and the planned operation marks the first reported health scare of his tenure.

His predecessor, Pope Francis, also received treatment there before his death in 2025, aged 88, after becoming increasingly frail in his later years.