Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small growth in his lung, after doctors discovered it during a recent medical examination.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the procedure on Sunday during his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
He said the growth was detected early and was well-localised.
“During recent medical checks, a nodule on my lung was found.
"It has been detected at a very early stage and is very localised,” Leo XIV said.
“The doctors believe it would be right to intervene and so, following their advice, I have decided to have the operation to remove it.
"The operation is already planned in the coming days,” he added.
The Vatican said the pope’s recovery was expected to take about one week.
The surgery is scheduled to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical facility that has treated several popes.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the growth is cancerous.
Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue that can be detected through medical scans.
Many are benign, although further examination may be needed to determine their nature.
The announcement marks the first major health concern publicly disclosed during Leo’s 17-month papacy, which began in May 2025.
Despite the planned operation, the pope is expected to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6th to 17th November.
The Vatican has not said whether the surgery will affect the trip.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the pontiff, saying the “calmness with which he spoke during today’s Angelus reassures us.”
Pope Leo XIV thanked the faithful for their support and prayers as he prepares for the procedure.
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