Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small lung nodule found during recent medical examinations.
In a post on X, the pope said doctors detected the nodule at a very early stage and found it to be well-localized. He decided to have it removed on their advice.
“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
Vatican News reported that Leo also announced the planned operation to the faithful gathered for his Sunday Angelus prayer. His statement did not specify a surgery date or say whether the nodule was cancerous.
He thanked those praying for him, writing: “I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.”
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo is 71. He became the first American pope when he was elected May 8, 2025. His Vatican biography traces his years as a missionary in Peru, where he later served as bishop of Chiclayo. Before his election, he headed the Vatican’s office for bishops. He is also the first Augustinian pope.
