The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, after his customary prayer with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square.
In a statement shared on his X account, the pope said doctors detected the nodule at an early stage and recommended surgery to remove it.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized,” he wrote.
“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days,” he added.
Pope Leo XIV also thanked the faithful for their support and asked for their prayers ahead of the procedure.
A lung nodule is a small abnormal area that may be detected during imaging examinations. According to the American Cancer Society, most lung nodules are not cancerous and may result from previous infections, scar tissue or other causes.
The operation is expected to take place early this week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where popes typically receive medical care. The Vatican reportedly told journalists that the pontiff was expected to spend about a week recovering.
The announcement has drawn attention to the pope’s health as he continues his leadership of the Catholic Church.
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