Pope Leo XIV to have lung surgery within days after nodule discovery

Pope Leo XIV disclosed that routine health checks uncovered a nodular lesion on his lung, which doctors described as early-stage and well-defined. He confirmed that an operation to excise the nodule will take place within the next few days. The announcement came during his regular Sunday blessing, and no additional medical information was released.

The pope, who is 71 and leads an active lifestyle, has a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, but officials have not said if the surgery or recovery will alter those plans. The lesion’s nature was explained as typically benign, though some nodules can be malignant.