Pope Leo XIV will undergo lung surgery next week after doctors found a small nodule during a routine check-up.
The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement himself on Sunday, during his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
Speaking in Italian, the first American Pope told pilgrims doctors had discovered a localized nodule at a very early stage.He described it as well contained and circumscribed.
“The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” he said. “The operation is already scheduled for the coming days.”
The Vatican press office said the procedure is set for the first days of next week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where popes are traditionally treated.
Recovery is expected to take about a week.Leo thanked the faithful for their closeness and asked for prayers, drawing warm applause from the crowd.
Considered fit and active, with regular tennis and swimming at Castel Gandolfo, Leo has had no major health issues since his election in May 2025.
Questions now surround his upcoming South America tour to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6-17, though the Pope indicated he still intends to travel.
