Pope Leo announced on Sunday that medical examinations revealed a small growth on his lung, prompting plans for surgery this week to remove the nodule in what marks the first health challenge of the pontiff's tenure. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Sunday prayer, the 71-year-old leader explained that the condition was caught at an early stage and remained well-contained.
Addressing the crowd, the pope noted that doctors identified a localized nodule during recent medical checks and advised surgical intervention. Following that recommendation, he decided to proceed with an operation that is already scheduled for the coming days.
Elected by the world's cardinals in May 2025, Pope Leo is considered relatively young for a Church leader. Known for enjoying sports such as tennis, he has no previously reported history of significant health issues. His predecessor, the late Pope Francis, experienced increasing frailty in his later years before passing away at the age of 88.
The Vatican press office indicated that the pope's recovery period following the surgery is anticipated to last approximately a week, though additional details regarding his medical condition were not immediately disclosed.