Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the development on Sunday, October 11, during his Angelus address to pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He said the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized.
“Following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” the Pope said, referring to the recommendation of his doctors. He added that the operation had already been scheduled for the coming days.
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the procedure is expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with the Pope’s recovery estimated to take approximately one week.
The Vatican has not publicly disclosed further details about the nature of the nodule. The Pope’s announcement did not identify it as cancerous, and no confirmed diagnosis beyond the discovery of the localized lung nodule has been made public.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung. Such nodules can have different causes, and their presence alone does not establish whether a growth is benign or malignant. Further medical assessment may be needed to determine its nature.
During his address, Pope Leo thanked those who had expressed concern for his health and asked for their spiritual support as he prepared for the operation.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
The announcement has prompted messages of support and prayers from Catholic leaders and faithful, with Church representatives expressing their hopes for the Pope’s successful operation and recovery.
The Holy See has not announced any further medical details beyond those disclosed by the Pope and the Vatican spokesperson.
