He Pope Leo XIV announced this Sunday that he will have to undergo surgery “in the coming days” for a nodule in a lung that has been detected in a “very initial and well located” phase, he said after praying the Sunday Angelus.
“Recently, during some check-ups, the doctors found a circumscribed nodule in my lung. It was located at a very early stage and well located,” said the American pontiff from the window of the Apostolic Palace, before the faithful who came to hear the Angelus.
According to the EFE news agency, Leo XIV explained that the doctors who have treated him “consider it appropriate to intervene” and, following their advice, he has decided to “have surgery to remove” the nodule “in the next few days.”
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I entrust myself to your prayers. Thank you and have a good Sunday”said the visibly calm pontiff to the faithful who listened to him in St. Peter’s Square.
Leo XIV just turned 71 years old, on September 14, and was elected pope on May 8, 2025, the first American in history.
An apostolic trip is scheduled on his nearest agenda, from November 6 to 17, to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.the latter country of which he holds nationality for his many years as a missionary and bishop.
Before announcing his operation, the pope greeted the members of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles in Rome, with great devotion in Peru, and assured that he will travel to the Andean country.
“Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit that I will carry out in Peru,” he stated.
