“My dear friends… recently, during medical examinations… the doctors detected a small nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage.”
_{Pope Leo}

With composure from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo reveals his health concerns to hundreds of the faithful. A pulmonary nodule—which remains unknown whether it is benign or not—for the removal of which he will undergo surgery.

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ

11.10.2026 15:01

Pope Leo: A nodule was found in his lung; he is heading into surgery

27.09.2026 07:48

Unbelievable scenes in Paris: Dozens of clergymen hearing confessions from the faithful on the streets of the Champs-Élysées

“Thank you for your spiritual support, and I ask that you pray for me.”
_{Pope Leo}

The Pontiff is expected to be admitted tomorrow morning to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, though the Vatican has not provided details regarding the exact date of the surgery. The only thing it has clarified is that the recovery period will be short.

“This is Pope Leo’s first known serious health issue. He is 71 years old and quite athletic. He plays tennis and swims, but this surgery… will keep him out of duty for a week.”
_{Nicole Winfield – “AP” Reporter}

The mere announcement of the event was enough to spark a wave of support from millions of Catholics around the world, especially those in the Italian capital, who are rushing to light a candle for their religious leader.

“I’m truly sorry, because he’s an important religious figure. But this is a fantastic hospital… so I’m sure they’ll do everything they can to help him recover. I hope he gets well soon…”
_{A Rome resident}

The news and the questions it has raised have prompted internationally renowned oncologists to clarify that the nodule —that is, a small shadow on the lung measuring less than 3 centimeters—especially in the early stages as in this specific case, does NOT necessarily mean lung cancer. However, this will become clear with a biopsy.

“Then, we’ll have a clear answer… as to whether it’s definitely cancer or not. A nodule with clear borders suggests that… it is less likely to be cancer. However, it cannot be ruled out that it is cancer.”
_{Dionysis Papadatos – Oncologist}

Even in this scenario, however, experts are reassuring.

“If it turns out, ultimately, to be early-stage lung cancer… surgery can cure it, and the prognosis is excellent.”
_{Stephen Liu – Oncologist}

In any case, they describe the procedure as very safe and simple, though it came at a time of increased obligations for Pope Leo, who was set to receive the Archbishop of Cyprus on Monday, while also preparing for his major tour of Latin America in early November.

Watch the report by Yiannis Xenophontos: