Pope Leo to have lung surgery after doctors find small growth

Pope Leo will undergo surgery this week to remove a small growth on his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff announced the health check result on Sunday, October 12, 2026, marking the first health scare of his tenure. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Sunday prayer, Leo stated that the growth is well-contained and was spotted early. He explained that doctors found a localized nodule during recent medical examinations and advised an operation to remove it. The surgery is scheduled for the next few days. The Vatican press office reported that the pope's recovery from the procedure is expected to take about a week. Before sharing the news of his health issue, Leo spoke about his upcoming 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which is planned for November 6 to 17.

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Medical experts note that lung nodules are small lesions that can often be benign, with the American Thoracic Society stating that fewer than five percent of them prove cancerous overall. Pope Leo was elected in May 2025 and is relatively young for a Church leader, maintaining an active lifestyle that includes sports like tennis.