The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed his health condition Sunday while addressing worshippers from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Speaking to the crowd, Pope Leo explained that doctors identified the nodule at an early stage and recommended surgical intervention.
“Recently during some checkups doctors found a circumscribed nodule in my lung,” the pope said.
He added that the abnormality was detected at a very early stage and was well localized, prompting doctors to recommend treatment.
Shortly after his announcement, the Vatican press office confirmed that the surgery was scheduled for early this week.
According to the Vatican, the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week following the procedure, depending on his recovery.
The operation will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical facility frequently used by previous popes, including Pope Francis.
Francis, who died in 2025 at the age of 88, received medical treatment at the same hospital during his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, made history in May 2025 when he was elected the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American-born pope.
A native of Chicago, Leo has maintained an active schedule of religious engagements and international responsibilities since assuming the papacy.
Despite announcing his upcoming surgery, the pontiff continued his traditional Sunday appearance, greeting pilgrims and religious groups gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Among those he acknowledged was a group of Peruvian Catholics, whom he thanked for their prayers ahead of a planned apostolic visit to Peru.
“Thank you for your prayer for my apostolic visit that I will make to Peru,” he said.
The Vatican has not disclosed further medical details about the nodule or the specific surgical procedure.
The announcement is expected to draw attention from Catholics worldwide as the pontiff prepares for treatment and recovery.
For now, Vatican officials have indicated that the condition was detected early, with doctors recommending surgery as the appropriate course of action.
