Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Officials have not disclosed further details about the surgical technique or whether additional treatment will be necessary.

The announcement comes as the pope continues his duties as leader of the Catholic Church, which has more than a billion faithful worldwide.

What is a lung nodule?

A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that may be discovered during medical imaging or other examinations.

Lung nodules can have several causes, including previous infections, inflammation and, in some cases, cancer. Their discovery does not automatically mean that a person has cancer.

The Vatican has not said whether the pope’s nodule is benign or malignant. The publicly available information indicates that doctors detected it early and recommended surgical removal.

Pope asks for prayers ahead of procedure

Following the announcement, Leo XIV expressed gratitude to those who had offered spiritual support as he prepared for surgery.

“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.

The Vatican has not announced whether the procedure will affect the pope’s upcoming schedule. Further updates may clarify his recovery and any changes to planned engagements.