Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a localised nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday while addressing worshippers during the traditional Angelus prayer. He explained that the nodule was detected at an early stage and was confined to a specific area of his lung.
According to him, medical experts recommended surgery as the most appropriate course of action following their assessment.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” the Pope said.
He added, “The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days.”
The procedure is expected to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, a major medical facility that has treated previous pontiffs.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed the planned operation while responding to questions from journalists. He said the surgery was scheduled for the early part of the week and that the Pope’s estimated recovery period would be approximately one week.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to those who had shown concern and offered support following the announcement. He also appealed to the faithful to remember him in their prayers ahead of the procedure.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
A lung nodule, also known as a pulmonary nodule, is a small growth that develops in the lung. According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, such nodules are generally no larger than three centimetres in diameter.
Although lung nodules are relatively common, most are not cancerous, the medical institution notes.
However, the Vatican has not disclosed further information about the nature of the nodule discovered in the Pope’s lung.
The announcement has drawn attention to the pontiff’s health as preparations continue for the scheduled procedure. His medical team is expected to oversee the operation and subsequent recovery at Gemelli Hospital.
For now, the Pope has expressed confidence in the medical advice he has received while seeking spiritual support from Catholics and other well-wishers ahead of the surgery.
