The 71-year-old Pope disclosed the development while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional Angelus prayer, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage.

“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,” Leo XIV said. He added that the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” explaining that his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it.

“The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it,” the Pope said.

The pontiff confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days, although he did not disclose the exact date during his address. He also expressed gratitude to Catholics and other supporters for their prayers as he prepares for the operation.

“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.

According to Vatican News, the Pope’s announcement followed medical examinations that identified the nodule, prompting doctors to recommend surgical intervention.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation was scheduled for the beginning of the week and that the Pope’s expected hospital stay after the procedure would be approximately one week.

The surgery is expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical facility that has treated previous popes, according to international media reports.

The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant, and no cancer diagnosis has been announced. A lung nodule is a localized area of abnormal tissue that can have several causes and does not necessarily indicate cancer.

The Pope also referred to his planned pastoral visit to Latin America in November, thanking the faithful for their prayers ahead of the trip.

The visit is scheduled to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Leo XIV previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his election as pope.

Pope Leo XIV became head of the Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.