Pope Leo XIV told thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a small nodule from his lung, disclosing an unexpected health concern after his traditional Angelus prayer.
The 71-year-old pontiff said doctors identified the nodule at a «very early stage» and recommended its removal. «Doctors found a small lump in the lung,» Leo said. «It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.» He added that he decided to proceed with the operation on medical advice and that the surgery is already scheduled for the coming days.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week. Vatican sources indicated the procedure will likely take place within a few days at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, widely known as the «Pope's» hospital. The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is cancerous, and no further details about the diagnosis or the planned procedure were immediately available.
The announcement came as a surprise for the American-born pontiff, who has no previously known health problems and is known for maintaining an active lifestyle. Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. He asked the faithful for their spiritual closeness and prayer, saying, «I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.»
The surgery and recovery could complicate a major international trip the pope has scheduled from Nov. 6 to 17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It remains unclear whether the medical intervention will affect those travel plans.
Beyond his health, Leo used his Sunday remarks to renew his appeal for peace in war-torn Ukraine, warning that the conflict continues to inflict suffering far beyond the country's borders. «The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains,» the pope said.
He called on all parties involved in the conflict to guarantee the safe transport of Ukrainian grain shipments through the Black Sea, emphasizing the consequences for vulnerable populations around the world. «I send a strong appeal for all those involved that they can guarantee the safe transport of grains in the Black Sea,» he said. «The daily life of many people cannot be hostage to war.»
The dual message — a personal health disclosure and a renewed geopolitical appeal — underscored the pope's dual role as spiritual leader and global moral voice. His hospitalization at Gemelli, where popes have traditionally received medical care, will be closely watched by Catholics and world leaders alike.
Leo, who has led the Catholic Church with a focus on peace and social justice, has previously spoken out on issues including medically assisted suicide and the treatment of migrants. His scheduled trip to South America would be one of the most significant international journeys of his pontificate, and any change to those plans would be closely monitored by the Vatican and host governments.
For now, the Vatican has offered no further medical details, leaving the faithful and observers to await the outcome of the surgery and the pope's recovery. In his remarks, Leo appeared calm and grateful for the support he has received, relying on prayer as he prepares for the procedure.