Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery after doctors discovered a small nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the pontiff said the growth had been detected at an early stage and was localised. His medical team recommended an operation to remove it.
“During some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” he wrote.
He added that doctors had scheduled the procedure after assessing the growth.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized,” he said.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that is usually detected through medical imaging.
Such nodules can develop because of infections, inflammation or other conditions. While some may be cancerous, their presence does not automatically indicate cancer.
The Pope’s decision to undergo surgery follows medical advice to remove the growth rather than monitor it.
Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
The 69-year-old became the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s history. He was elected by cardinals during a conclave at the Vatican after Francis, who had led the Church since March 2013, died aged 88.
Leo XIV formally began his papal ministry on May 18, 2025, during a Mass in St Peter’s Square.
As he prepares for the procedure, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their support and asked them to remember him in their prayers.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.