AP
Vatican Pope Surgery
The statue of late Pope John Paul II, center, is pictured at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
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Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.. The lesion was found at an early stage and is well-localized. The Vatican said Sunday the surgery is scheduled in the coming days, with a recovery time of about a week. Leo, who is 71 and physically active, made the announcement during his Sunday blessing. He thanked the crowd for their support and prayers. Leo has a major trip planned for November to South America, but it's unclear if the surgery will affect his itinerary.
