Pope Leo XIV discovers lung nodule, surgery in Rome on October 13

A mild breathing difficulty led Pope Leo XIV to undergo a series of medical checks, which resulted in the discovery of a pulmonary nodule.

Based on the doctors’ assessment, the head of the Catholic Church has decided to undergo surgery to treat the problem as soon as possible.

What was initially considered a simple inflammation of the respiratory system required further medical tests. According to reports, the checks carried out at the Vatican identified a localized lesion in the lung, detected at an early stage and without symptoms.

Following the finding, the medical team recommended surgical intervention to remove the pulmonary nodule. Pope Leo XIV heeded the doctors’ advice and did not postpone the procedure.

However, the nature of the lesion cannot yet be determined, even without a final assessment. The discovery of a pulmonary nodule does not necessarily indicate that the patient has a malignant disease.

According to published information, the Pope is expected to be admitted on October 13 to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where he will undergo surgery. The procedure is planned for the first days of his hospital stay, while recovery may last about a week, provided no complications occur.

The choice to act immediately is also linked to the effort to avoid disruptions to the Pope’s schedule of engagements during the autumn.

Pope Leo XIV, who turned 71 in September, is known as an active person who takes care of his physical fitness and exercises regularly. These circumstances are perceived as positive factors for recovery, despite the fact that its duration will depend on how his condition develops after the operation.