Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove a “small, localised nodule” from his lung.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Holy See Press Office, published on the Vatican website, on Tuesday evening.

The 71-year-old pontiff entered the hospital smiling and waving on Tuesday morning, hours before the operation to remove the growth, which was described as resembling a coin on the lung.

“The procedure was successfully completed, within the expected time and in the planned manner,” the Vatican said in a brief statement.

“The Holy Father has returned to his room,” it added, saying further details would be provided later.

The surgery was done at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome.

“Further information will follow,” the statement read.

Recall that Catholics around the world offered prayers and sent goodwill messages on Sunday following the announcement by Pope Leo XIV that he would undergo surgery during the week to remove a lung nodule.

Addressing Catholics gathered for the Angelus at the Vatican on Sunday, the Pope disclosed that his doctors had discovered a “localised nodule” in his lung and recommended surgery.

He said the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localised.

Following the discovery, he said his doctors had advised him to undergo surgery and that he had decided to follow their recommendation.

The Pope called for prayers ahead of the surgery.

He said, “Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localised.

“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

“The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.”

Catholic faithful, Christians and people of other faiths across different countries responded to the Pope’s call, with prayers and goodwill messages circulating on social media from Sunday till Tuesday that the surgery held.

The surgery marks Pope Leo’s first hospitalisation since he became head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. Punch