Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered in his lung, with the Vatican saying Sunday that the 71-year-old pontiff will require approximately one week to recover.
A Vatican spokesman confirmed the expected recovery period following the pope's announcement during his traditional Sunday noon blessing in St. Peter's Square. Leo said doctors had discovered a nodular lesion during recent medical examinations and had recommended surgery to remove it.
Pope Leo XIV
(Photo: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The pope described the abnormality as having been detected at a very early stage and said it was "circumscribed," meaning that it was localized.
Leo said he had accepted his doctors' recommendation and that the operation had already been scheduled for the coming days. No additional details were immediately released about the nature of the lesion or the procedure.
The announcement raises questions about the pope's upcoming international travel schedule. Leo is due to undertake a major visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, and it remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery period will affect the trip.
The American-born pope has no previously known major health problems and is considered physically active. He regularly plays tennis and swims during visits to the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
Leo thanked the faithful for their spiritual support and asked them to keep him in their prayers as he prepares for surgery.