Just 18 months after Pope Francis died, Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery to remove a small, localized nodule from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff announced the news during his Sunday Angelus address after doctors discovered the growth during recent medical examinations. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, 2026.

The announcement has drawn attention because of Pope Francis’ history of serious respiratory problems. Francis spent 38 days in Gemelli Hospital in early 2025 receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia before his death on April 21. His official cause of death was a stroke followed by a coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, against a background of other medical conditions.

Pope Leo’s condition was reportedly detected at an early stage, and doctors recommended removing the nodule. However, its nature has not been confirmed publicly, and a lung nodule does not automatically mean cancer. The Vatican has indicated that the pope will need approximately a week to recover, prompting changes to his scheduled engagements.

Gemelli Hospital has a long history of treating popes, having cared for both Francis and Pope John Paul II. Leo’s decision to announce his condition personally during a public prayer has also brought renewed attention to transparency surrounding papal health. As he prepares for the procedure, Catholics around the world are offering prayers and hoping for a smooth recovery.