Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery after doctors discovered a small nodule on his lung during a medical examination, with the pontiff saying the condition was detected at an early stage.
The 71-year-old Catholic leader disclosed the development during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square in Rome, telling pilgrims that his medical team had recommended an operation in the coming days.
“The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” he said, adding that his doctors believed it would be appropriate to intervene and that he had agreed to the procedure.
Pope Leo sought to reassure those gathered that the mass was “well-contained” and had been identified early.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said the operation was scheduled for the first days of the following week. He added that the Pope was expected to need about a week to recover.
Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news portal, reported that the procedure would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The facility has a dedicated suite for the Pope, established after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.
The announcement has drawn messages of support from political leaders and religious figures, with many expressing hopes for a successful operation and a swift recovery.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her “personal solidarity” to the pontiff as he prepares for the medical procedure. President Sergio Mattarella also extended his “sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health”.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog joined the well-wishers, expressing hope that Pope Leo would make a full and speedy recovery.
The planned surgery comes less than two years after Leo succeeded Pope Francis, who also experienced lung-related health problems that required hospital treatment.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV became the 267th occupant of the papal throne and the first US citizen to lead the Catholic Church. He was ordained in 1982 and spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he became known for working with marginalised communities.
Despite the upcoming operation, the Pope confirmed during Sunday’s service that his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru would still go ahead.
Daniel Sturla, the Archbishop of Montevideo, said preparations for the visit would continue with “greater enthusiasm” and called on the faithful to pray for the Pope’s recovery.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that may be detected through a chest X-ray or CT scan, according to the UK’s National Health Service. Such nodules often do not cause symptoms, although further medical assessment may be needed to determine their nature.
As the pontiff prepares for surgery, messages of support continue to arrive from leaders and members of the Catholic community, with attention now turning to his recovery and the planned South American visit.
