Pope Leo XIV has shared an unexpected health update that could affect his upcoming international commitments. During his Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square on October 11, 2026, the 71-year-old pontiff revealed that doctors had discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung. The announcement surprised the faithful gathered at the Vatican, particularly because the pope had continued carrying out his public duties. According to his statement, the growth was detected at a very early stage, and his medical team recommended surgery to remove it. Leo said he had decided to follow their advice and thanked supporters for their prayers. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, where doctors expect his postoperative recovery to last approximately one week. However, the Vatican has not disclosed further medical details or identified the nodule as cancerous.

The health announcement has raised questions about the pope’s planned November journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled for November 6–17. The trip would be especially meaningful because Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, spent years serving as a missionary in Peru before becoming the first American pope in 2025. His upcoming surgery leaves a relatively short recovery window before the scheduled departure, although officials have not announced any changes to the itinerary. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her support, describing the pope’s calm response to the news as reassuring. During the same Angelus address, Leo also called for peace in Ukraine and stressed that millions of people should not have their daily bread held hostage by war. For now, the pontiff’s immediate priority is his treatment and recovery. Whether he will travel as planned remains uncertain, with the Vatican yet to confirm if his medical team will recommend adjustments to his demanding schedule.