VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, localised nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, telling the faithful that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
According to a report by Vatican News, the Pope said his doctors recommended surgical intervention and that he had decided to follow their medical advice.
“The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days,” he said.
Pope Asks for Prayers
In his message, Pope Leo thanked those who had expressed concern for his wellbeing and asked for continued spiritual support as he prepares for the procedure.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” the pontiff said.
The announcement was made during the Pope’s Sunday Angelus address, a regular prayer and reflection that brings him into contact with Catholics and other faithful around the world.
What Is Known About the Pope’s Condition?
The information released so far indicates that the nodule was detected early and is localised.
However, no confirmed diagnosis establishing whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous has been disclosed in the announcement.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung.
Such nodules can have various causes, and their presence alone does not establish a cancer diagnosis.
The Pope’s decision to undergo surgery follows the recommendation of his medical team.
Further details about the procedure and his recovery will depend on subsequent official updates.
Global Attention on the Vatican
The announcement is likely to draw attention from Catholics and religious communities worldwide.
Many of them will be following developments surrounding the Pope’s health and the planned operation.
For now, Pope Leo XIV has expressed confidence in following his doctors’ advice and has appealed for prayers ahead of the procedure.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor official Vatican updates on the Pope’s surgery and recovery.
