Pope Leo XIV announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a small nodule on his lung during recent medical examinations.
The 71-year-old pontiff shared the news with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square immediately after the traditional Angelus prayer.
Leo said the nodule was found at a very early stage and is well localized.
Following the recommendation of his doctors, he has decided to have it removed.
“The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days,” the pope said.
He thanked those gathered for their spiritual support and asked for prayers ahead of the procedure.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni later confirmed that the operation is expected to take place during the first days of the week.
The procedure will be performed at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, a facility long associated with papal medical care.
The hospital also has a dedicated suite for the pope.
According to the Vatican, Leo is expected to spend about one week recovering after the surgery.
Officials have not said whether the lung nodule is cancerous.
A lung nodule is generally described as a small, dense area of tissue in the lung, typically measuring less than three centimeters.
Many lung nodules are noncancerous, although doctors consider factors such as age and other medical risks when determining whether further treatment is necessary.
The Vatican has not released additional details about what doctors found beyond saying the nodule was detected early and is localized.
The announcement marks the first significant publicly disclosed health issue for Leo since he became pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
Leo, an American-born prelate, has otherwise been described as maintaining an active lifestyle.
His routine reportedly includes tennis and swimming while staying at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
No major previous health problems had been publicly disclosed.
The timing of the operation also raises questions about an upcoming international trip scheduled for November.
Leo is expected to travel from Nov. 6 through Nov. 17, with stops planned in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, per Trending Politics.
Vatican officials have not said whether the procedure or recovery period will affect that trip.
For now, the schedule remains unresolved.
The pope also used the same Angelus address to speak about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He called for the continued safe movement of grain shipments through the Black Sea, arguing that food supplies must remain available to vulnerable populations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered support to Leo following the announcement.
She expressed solidarity both personally and on behalf of the Italian government as the pope prepares for surgery.
The Holy See Press Office said normal Vatican operations are expected to continue during Leo’s recovery.
However, matters requiring the pope’s personal signature will reportedly be delayed until he is able to resume those duties.
The Vatican has not announced any further medical complications.
For now, Leo is expected to enter the hospital in the coming days, undergo surgery to remove the lung nodule and then begin a recovery period expected to last roughly one week.
