Pope Leo told a crowd of more than 10,000 in St. Peter’s Square that doctors had found a small growth on his lung during a routine check‑up. He said the nodule was "well‑contained" and had been spotted early, prompting the decision to have it removed.
The nodule, a localized lesion that can be benign, is rare but not uncommon in older adults. According to the American Thoracic Society, fewer than five percent of lung nodules turn out to be cancerous, though risk rises with age and size.
The 71‑year‑old pontiff, who was elected in May 2025, has not previously been known for serious health issues, and he is an avid tennis player. His predecessor, Pope Francis, died at 88 after a long period of frailty.
The Vatican press office confirmed that the operation is scheduled for the next few days and that recovery is expected to take about a week. The pope will resume his duties and begin an 11‑day pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru starting on November 6.
Pilgrims in the square listened as he urged them to pray for his health and for the mission of the Church, his calm voice echoing across the piazza.