Pope Leo XIV announced his health during the Angelus on Sunday, October 11, saying he would undergo surgery in the coming days and asking the faithful to keep him in their prayers.
He said the decision followed recent medical examinations in which doctors found that surgery was required.
The Pope added that his doctors had recommended the procedure and that he had decided to follow their advice.
Pope Leo XIV Shares Details of Upcoming Surgery
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised,” Pope Leo XIV said.
He explained that his doctors considered surgery appropriate and that he had agreed to undergo an operation to remove the nodule. He added that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days.
“The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV did not provide further details about the planned operation but emphasised that doctors had detected the medical finding at an early stage.
The Pope thanked those who had offered him spiritual support and asked for their continued prayers ahead of the procedure.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
He made the announcement while addressing the faithful during the traditional Angelus, where he shared the update personally and confirmed he intended to follow the medical advice he received.
Pope Leo XIV’s Early Life, Rise to the Papacy and Career
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, he became the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, after the College of Cardinals elected him.
His election made him the first American pope and the first member of the Augustinian order to become pontiff.
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Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Agnes Martínez. He joined the Order of St Augustine in 1977, beginning his religious journey within a Catholic order known for its emphasis on community life, service and the teachings of St Augustine.
Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. His early ministry included religious service and missionary work that later took him to Peru, where he spent many years serving in the Catholic Church.
Prevost built much of his religious career in Peru, serving as a missionary and later rising to senior leadership within the country’s Catholic Church. He acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, reflecting his longstanding ties to the country.
His leadership experience also extended beyond Peru. Prevost was elected prior general of the Order of St Augustine twice, serving as the worldwide leader of the religious order.
The role involved overseeing Augustinian communities and their activities across different countries.
Appointment to the Vatican and Election as Pope
Prevost’s experience in Peru and leadership within the Augustinian order preceded his appointment to senior positions in the Vatican.
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On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
The Dicastery for Bishops handles matters relating to bishops in the Latin Church, including the selection of candidates for episcopal appointments.
Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the rank of cardinal on September 30, 2023. He subsequently became one of the cardinals involved in the leadership and governance of the Catholic Church before his election as pontiff.
After Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, cardinals gathered for a conclave that began on May 7 to elect his successor.
Prevost was elected on May 8, 2025, and chose the name Leo XIV. His election made him the first pope born in the United States and the first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church.
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