Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff said doctors detected the growth at a very early stage and that it was well localized. The Pope made the announcement on Sunday, October 11, after reciting the Angelus prayer before pilgrims and visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He explained that his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice. “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, asking for the continued spiritual support and prayers of the faithful. According to Vatican announcements, the procedure is scheduled for the early part of the week, with the operation expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The anticipated recovery period is approximately one week. The Vatican has not disclosed the exact nature of the nodule or whether it is benign or malignant. A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that may be identified during medical imaging. Such nodules can develop for several reasons, including previous infections, inflammation or other conditions. Many are non-cancerous, but doctors may recommend further investigation or removal depending on their appearance, location and other medical findings. In Pope Leo’s case, no diagnosis of cancer has been announced. The decision to remove the nodule is intended to address the finding in accordance with medical advice. Further details about the procedure and the results of any examination of the removed tissue have not yet been made public. Until such information is released, the seriousness and underlying cause of the condition remain unknown. The announcement has drawn attention to the health of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who was elected pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first pope from the United States. He has continued to carry out public engagements, religious ceremonies and diplomatic activities during his papacy. Messages of support have also emerged from church leaders and political figures. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the Pope as he prepares for the operation, wishing him strength and a swift recovery. The medical procedure could temporarily affect the Pope’s public schedule while he recovers. However, his planned pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 remains on the calendar, and no cancellation has been announced. The trip is expected to include meetings with Catholic communities and other engagements across the three countries. Pope Leo has thanked the faithful for their concern and prayers as he prepares for surgery. The Vatican is expected to provide further information if there are significant updates regarding his condition, the operation or his recovery.