Pope Francis’s planned lung surgery this week: what we know
Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule this week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, with doctors anticipating a recovery of about seven days. The 71-year-old pontiff is due to travel to Uruguay,…
Source: France 24 · October 12, 2026 at 11:02 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceROME, URUGUAY, ARGENTINA, PERU, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —
Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery this week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, with recovery expected to allow planned November 6 trip to Latin America
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Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery this week to remove a lung nodule at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking the first time a pontiff has publicly announced such a procedure. The Vatican expects the 71-year-old pope to recover within seven days, potentially enabling him to begin an 11-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru on November 6, though the exact operation date remains unconfirmed.
The Vatican press office stated the surgery would occur at the beginning of the week, with Italian media speculating Tuesday as a possible date. Despite the procedure, the pope is scheduled to preside over a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning with Church leaders, with no changes to his schedule announced.
Doctors anticipate a full recovery in about a week, aligning with the planned departure for Latin America, where the pope holds deep ties, having served as a missionary in Peru for two decades and holding Peruvian citizenship.
The pope described the nodule as a small growth of tissue in the lung, most commonly benign but occasionally an early sign of lung cancer. Symptoms vary, with larger nodules potentially causing shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent coughing. The operation, typically performed under general anesthesia, will take place at Gemelli, a hospital frequently used by popes, including Leo’s predecessor, Francis, who underwent treatment there before his death last year.
John Paul II was treated nine times at Gemelli, spending a total of 153 days there, famously remarking it was like "Vatican number three." The hospital features a dedicated papal suite with a meeting room, kitchen, bathroom, and rest areas, accessible via a secured corridor.
The Vatican has not provided further details on the pope’s health beyond the nodule, though he has been described as otherwise healthy and known for his active lifestyle, including a love of sports. The announcement reflects a shift in transparency from the Vatican, as previous pontiffs rarely disclosed personal medical details. The upcoming trip to Latin America remains a priority, with the pope’s visit to Peru holding particular significance given his missionary past.
For Malaysia and the broader region, the pope’s surgery underscores the global reach of religious leadership and its intersection with public health. While the procedure is routine, the Vatican’s openness may set a precedent for future medical disclosures. The pope’s recovery timeline will determine whether the Latin America trip proceeds as scheduled, with potential implications for diplomatic and religious engagements in the region.
The next development will be confirmation of the surgery date and any adjustments to the pope’s public schedule.
Related: Pope Leo XIV