Doctors detected a localized lung nodule at a very early stage and recommended its removal in the coming days.

Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule detected during recent medical examinations, the pontiff announced Sunday, saying doctors had identified it at a very early stage.

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Leo, 71, announced the planned procedure after the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, explaining that his doctors had recommended removing the nodule.

“Recently, during some check-ups, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” he said from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV tells the faithful gathered for the Angelus on Sunday that his doctors have found “a localized nodule” in his lung and will operate in a few days.

He added that the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” pic.twitter.com/1rTOE4WPUf

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 11, 2026

The pope thanked the faithful for their spiritual support and asked them to pray for him.

“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers. Thank you, and have a good Sunday,” he told the crowd.

The announcement comes ahead of Leo’s scheduled apostolic journey to South America from Nov. 6 to 17, with visits planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Before announcing the surgery, the pope greeted members of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles in Rome, which is associated with a religious devotion widely observed in Peru. He also reaffirmed his intention to visit the country.

“Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru,” he said.

Leo XIV, the first American to become pope, was elected on May 8, 2025. He turned 71 on Sept. 14.

From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.