Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a localised nodule in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff announced the finding during the Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The Vatican has confirmed that surgery is planned, but it has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant. The announcement has prompted questions about the Pope's health and whether the procedure could affect his planned November visit to South America.