Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery in the coming days after a nodule was discovered on his lung during a medical check-up. The 71-year-old pontiff reassured pilgrims that the mass was "well-contained" and detected at an early stage.
The health of a pontiff is of significant interest globally, and any medical procedure involving Pope Leo XIV could impact his public appearances and official duties, including his upcoming international travel.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered on his lung during a recent medical check-up. The 71-year-old pontiff addressed pilgrims in St. Peter's Square in Rome, stating that his medical team "believe it would be right to intervene" and that he had agreed to the operation. He reassured attendees that the mass was "well-contained" and caught "at an early stage."
The Vatican later confirmed that the surgery is scheduled for the first days of this week, with an expected recovery time of one week. Pope Leo XIV, who has no previously known health issues and is considered physically active, made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing. He thanked the crowd for their closeness and entrusted himself to their prayers.
A lung nodule is a small abnormal area measuring less than 3cm (1in) that can appear on chest scans. The American Cancer Society notes that these scans are often done to investigate trauma or infection, unrelated to cancer screening.
The Pope has a major trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6-17. It remains unclear if the surgery and recovery will affect this itinerary, though Leo indicated his intention to proceed with the trip.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her support and that of the Italian government to Pope Leo XIV, noting that "the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it" were reassuring.
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