Pope Leo XIV is to undergo surgery this week to remove a small growth from his lung, after doctors detected it during a recent medical examination.
The 71-year-old pontiff told pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for his weekly Sunday prayer that the nodule had been found at an early stage and was “well contained”. The Vatican has not said whether it is believed to be malignant.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,” Pope Leo said. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well contained.”
He added: “The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the next few days.”
A lung nodule is a small, localised lesion which can be benign. The American Thoracic Society says fewer than 5% of lung nodules overall prove to be cancerous, although the risk increases with age, the size of the nodule and factors including smoking.
The Vatican press office said Pope Leo’s recovery was expected to take about a week, but gave no further details about his health. He is not known to smoke or to have experienced previous health problems.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her support for the Pope and for the Italian government as he faces the operation.
“The serenity and composure with which he spoke about it during today’s Angelus are reassuring,” Ms Meloni said in a statement.
Pope Leo was elected by the world’s cardinals in May 2025 and is considered relatively young for a Church leader. He maintains a busy schedule and enjoys sports, including tennis.
Before referring to his condition, he mentioned an 11-day pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru planned for November 6 to 17, thanking Catholics for their prayers ahead of the trip.
