Pope Leo XIV Announces Lung Surgery This Week
Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday he will undergo surgery this week to remove an early-stage nodular lesion found in his lung during recent medical checks.
The Morning Brief Desk · October 12, 2026 · Based on reporting by NPR News
Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery this week after doctors found a localized nodule in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff said the growth was identified at a very early stage. His doctors believe it is best to intervene now, he said.
The procedure comes less than 18 months into Leo's papacy. He is the first American pope, and his health carries significance for the Catholic Church's roughly 1.4 billion members worldwide. The BBC described the growth as a lump found on his lung. Leo stressed that doctors caught it early -- the reason they chose to operate this week.
Sources
NPR News — Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery this week
Pope Leo XIV said he will undergo surgery after doctors found a 'localized nodule' in his lung.
BBC World — Pope Leo to have surgery after lump found on lung
The 71-year-old pontiff said the nodule was identified 'at a very early stage' and doctors believe it is best to intervene.
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