Pope Leo XIV To Undergo Surgery

OpenLife News reports that Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a localized lung nodule detected during routine check-ups.

“During some check-ups, doctors discovered a localized nodule on my lung,” the 71-year-old pontiff told faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer on Sunday.

“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined. The doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

“A lung nodule is a small mass of dense tissue on the lung and most are non-cancerous.

The Vatican said the procedure is scheduled for early next week, with the Pope expected to spend about a week in hospital to recover.The announcement comes as the Pope prepares for a demanding schedule, including a major pastoral visit to Latin America from November 6 to 17, where he is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Relatively Young, Active Pontiff

Leo XIV, relatively young for a pope and generally seen to be in good health, is known to play tennis and maintain an active physical routine, a contrast to health challenges that dogged his predecessor, Pope Francis, who spent extended periods in hospital in his final months.His planned brief retreat at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday is expected to proceed before the surgery.

From Chicago To The Papacy

Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in history and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.

The son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Spanish descent, he grew up in Dolton, Illinois. He entered the Augustinian seminary as a young man, studied Mathematics at Villanova University before pursuing theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

He was ordained a priest in 1982 at age 27 and quickly distinguished himself as a missionary and canon lawyer. He spent over a decade in Peru, where he served as a parish pastor, seminary professor and judicial vicar in Trujillo — an experience that shaped his deep connection to Latin America and his fluency in Spanish.

Elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 2001, he led the order worldwide for 12 years from Rome, travelling extensively across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he was known for his closeness to the poor and focus on synodality and social justice.

Pope Francis brought him to Rome in 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the powerful Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide, and elevated him to Cardinal. In that role he was central to Francis’ reforms of episcopal appointments.

Elected on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis, he took the name Leo XIV, invoking Leo XIII, known for his social doctrine and engagement with the modern world.

Early Papacy Activities

Since assuming the Chair of St Peter, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a demanding daily schedule of audiences, Masses, diplomatic meetings and public events.His early papacy has focused on three pillars: continuity with synodal reforms, peace diplomacy, and bridge-building between the Global North and South.

He has called for ceasefire in global conflicts, pushed for climate justice, and emphasized a missionary Church close to the peripheries.He has held major audiences with world leaders, led efforts to mediate international tensions, and continued the synodal process initiated by Francis.

His upcoming November tour of Uruguay, Argentina — the homeland of Pope Francis — and Peru, where he served for many years, is seen as his most significant apostolic journey yet, intended to reaffirm the Church’s presence in Latin America.

The Vatican says further updates on his health and schedule will be communicated after the surgery.