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Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery to remove an early-stage nodule on his lung.
"Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localised nodule in my lung,” the American pontiff said on Sunday, October 11, during his noon prayer at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
Pope Leo shares details about his lung nodule
He shared that the nodule was detected quite early, and the doctors have advised him to undergo the medical procedure to have it removed.
The pontiff said that surgery had already been scheduled "for the coming days," and thanked onlookers for their support.
"I entrust myself to your prayers," he said.
It was reported that the medical procedure will take place at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Leo announced the surgery at the end of his regular address, in which he appealed for an end to the war in Ukraine and the safe transport of grain across the Black Sea.
What is lung nodule?
A lung nodule is a small, round or oval-shaped growth of dense tissue that appears as a white spot on a chest X-ray.
Around 90 to 95 per cent of lung nodules are non-cancerous.
A healthy lifestyle of Pope Leo
Leo has no previously known health problems and is known to be physically active, playing in weekly games of tennis.
The pontiff is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. It is unclear whether the planned surgery and recovery would affect the itinerary.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, he became the first American pope when he was appointed in 2025.
Originally from the South Side of Chicago, he spent much of his career ministering in Peru and leading the Vatican's powerful office of bishops.
