--- title: "Pope Leo XIV set to undergo lung nodule removal surgery this week" url: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-set-to-undergo-lung-nodule-removal-surgery-this-week/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Health" published: 2026-10-12T12:02:20.000Z updated: 2026-10-12T12:24:24.990Z id: 8c08d5ef-7fd1-4544-b6a0-6f14bb1d97fd source: "ABC News Health https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/pope-leos-planned-lung-nodule-surgery-137187326" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-set-to-undergo-lung-nodule-removal-surgery-this-week/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Pope Leo XIV set to undergo lung nodule removal surgery this week The Pope will have surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital after a localized lung nodule was detected. Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery this week to remove a localized lung nodule detected at an early stage of development. A lung nodule is typically characterized by its small size, measuring less than 3 centimeters across, roughly the diameter of a grape or a small marble. Such nodules can sometimes be discovered incidentally during CT scans performed to investigate unrelated health issues, such as trauma or infections. According to medical experts, including those from the American Cancer Society, it is crucial to promptly evaluate these abnormalities. The nodule in Pope Leo's lung could potentially be benign or malignant in nature, and only further testing will determine its true characteristics. If found to be cancerous, removal of the affected area at an early stage can significantly improve chances for a positive outcome. As Dr. Stephen Liu, a renowned expert on lung cancer from Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted, prompt evaluation is key in such cases. Despite the planned surgery, Pope Leo's age and overall health status are considered factors that bode well for his recovery prospects. At 71 years old, he is regarded as being in good physical shape, which will likely contribute to a smoother surgical process and faster healing. The upcoming surgery of Pope Leo will take place at Rome's Gemelli hospital, a nonprofit Catholic teaching institution affiliated with the Catholic Sacred Heart University. The hospital has a dedicated apartment for pontiffs on its 10th floor, which includes a private chapel. This special accommodation is not unique to Pope Leo, as his predecessors have also utilized it during their stays. For instance, Pope Francis was treated at Gemelli before his passing in May 2025 due to a long illness caused by a respiratory crisis. In fact, St. John Paul II spent considerable time at the hospital that he affectionately referred to it as "Vatican III", alongside the Vatican itself and the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Pope Leo's schedule remains busy despite his upcoming surgery, with several activities planned for this week. He is expected to maintain a regular routine of meetings in addition to other commitments. The timing of Pope Leo's hospitalization and surgery has not been explicitly stated, but it appears that he will be admitted on Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, as indicated by his packed schedule on Monday morning and afternoon. Pope Leo's upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is a packed itinerary that includes multiple flights, helicopter rides, and significant altitude changes in Peru. The ambitious schedule has raised questions about whether the planned lung nodule surgery will affect his travel plans, which are set for November 6-17. The Vatican's rules of succession do not explicitly address what happens if a pope becomes totally incapacitated. This lack of clarity is particularly relevant given the advances in medical care and the increasing lifespan of popes. Pope Leo's planned trip will be a major test of his health, but it appears he remains committed to making the journey despite the risks involved. His itinerary includes significant travel and altitude changes, which could potentially exacerbate any underlying health issues. The Vatican has been preparing for potential leadership transitions due to the increasing lifespan of popes and advances in medical care. The appointment of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new dean of the College of Cardinals is one example of this planning, replacing Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re who had his term extended by Pope Francis before his death. The role of the dean in a papal transition process is significant, as they oversee key events such as the previous pope's funeral and lead discussions among cardinals before the conclave. As part of these responsibilities, if the dean is under 80 years old when the conclave begins, they also preside over the secret election of a new pope in the Sistine Chapel. This ceremonial duty underscores their importance within the College of Cardinals. Pope Leo recently expressed gratitude to Cardinal Re for his lifelong service to the church, highlighting his role in the recent papal transition. Specifically, he acknowledged Re's participation in the funeral of Pope Francis, which was a significant event in the lead-up to the conclave. The letter from Pope Leo to Cardinal Re serves as a testament to the esteem in which Re is held within the Holy See, with his dedication and service being widely recognized and appreciated. --- Source: [ABC News Health](https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/pope-leos-planned-lung-nodule-surgery-137187326) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-set-to-undergo-lung-nodule-removal-surgery-this-week/