Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove an early-stage nodule on his lung.
The Vatican said the procedure was scheduled for this week.
“Recently, during medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung,” the American pontiff, 71, said during his midday prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
“It was detected very early and is well located,” Leon said from the window of the Apostolic Palace. “The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so following their advice, I decided to have an operation to remove it.”
The pontiff said surgery was already scheduled “for the next few days” and thanked spectators for their support.
“I trust in your prayers,” he said.
The news sparked applause from the thousands of people gathered in the square, before wishing the crowd a “happy Sunday”.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that “the operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated postoperative recovery time will be around a week.”
Leo announced the operation at the end of his usual speech, in which he called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the safe transportation of grain across the Black Sea.
“The daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by war,” he said.
Leo has no previous known health problems and is known to be physically active, including weekly tennis games.
The pontiff has planned a major trip to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. It is unclear whether the planned surgery and recovery would affect the itinerary.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Leo good luck.
“I would like to express to the Holy Father my personal support, as well as that of the Italian government, as he faces this challenge in the coming days,” she said in a statement.
“The serenity and composure with which he spoke about it (today) … is reassuring,” Meloni added.
Born Robert Francis Prévost, he became the first American pope upon his appointment in 2025.
A native of South Chicago, he spent much of his career ministering in Peru and leading the Vatican’s powerful bishops’ office.
Leo’s father, Louis Prévost, served in the Navy during World War II and worked as a superintendent of schools in Chicago’s south suburbs. His mother, Mildred Martinez Prevost, was a librarian with a master’s degree in education and two religious sisters.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, died of a stroke last April at the age of 88 after a long hospitalization following several health problems.
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