Pope Leo XIV, aged 71, was found to have a small nodule in his lung and has been hospitalized in Rome for surgical removal of the growth.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church announced the finding during Sunday's midday blessing in St. Peter's Square. According to him, the nodule was detected at an early stage and has a clear localization. He thanked those present for their support and asked them to pray for him. Leo XIV decided to follow the doctors' recommendation for surgical intervention.
The operation is scheduled to take place early this week at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Matteo Bruni, head of the Holy See press service, specified that the recovery period after the procedure will be approximately seven days, so all audiences are canceled until Tuesday, October 20th.
A lung nodule is defined as a small area of altered tissue measuring less than three centimeters, which can be detected via computed tomography. According to information from the American Cancer Society, such formations are often discovered incidentally during medical check-ups for other reasons, and the presence of a nodule itself is not a sign of cancer.
Despite the upcoming surgery, the pontiff maintains plans to travel to South America. From November 6th to 17th, he intends to visit Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina. Previously, no reports had been published regarding serious health issues concerning Leo XIV. According to the Associated Press, the Pope maintains an active lifestyle, engaging in tennis and swimming during his stay at the summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.