Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square during his weekly Angelus address on Sunday, the Pope said his medical team had recommended an operation to remove the abnormal growth.
Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors reportedly discovered a localised nodule in his lung, with the pontiff saying the condition was detected at an early stage.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square during his weekly Angelus address on Sunday, the Pope said his medical team had recommended an operation to remove the abnormal growth.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung,” Pope Leo told the faithful.
He said the nodule had been detected early and was confined to a specific area, prompting doctors to recommend surgery.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised. The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days,” he added.
According to the account attributed to Vatican News, the Pope intends to proceed with the operation under the supervision of his medical team in Rome.
The discovery of a localised lung nodule does not, on its own, establish that a patient has cancer. Such nodules can have several causes, including inflammation, infection or abnormal tissue growth. Further medical assessment, including examination of tissue removed during surgery where necessary, may be required to establish their nature.
The Pope thanked the faithful for their support and appealed for prayers as he prepares for the procedure and subsequent recovery.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
The announcement is expected to draw attention from Catholics around the world, given the Pope’s global religious leadership and the significance of his health to the Roman Catholic Church.
Further details about the timing of the operation, the nature of the lung nodule and the expected recovery period would be important in establishing the full medical picture.