Pope Leo XIV (Leo XIV) announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week to remove a mass in his lung. In his weekly address at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, he stated that a nodule (mass) had been identified in his recent medical check-ups.
Surgery Details
Pope Leo XIV (71 years old) stated, "This nodule has been identified at a very early stage and is localized." He added, "Doctors believe that intervention is necessary, and therefore, based on their recommendation, I have decided to proceed with surgery to remove it. This procedure is scheduled for the coming days."
Pope's Health Status
This is the first time Pope Leo XIV has faced a serious health concern since his election as pope in 2025. Lung nodules are typically small, localized lesions that measure less than 3 centimeters and are usually benign.
According to the American Lung Association, less than 5 percent of lung nodules become cancerous. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has stated that these nodules sometimes appear in chest or abdominal CT scans during examinations for injuries or infections that are not related to cancer screening.
Pope's Age and Lifestyle
Pope Leo XIV is younger than most popes. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was five years older than him, while Pope Benedict XVI was 78 years old when he began his term. Leo is generally known for having an active lifestyle and has not had any serious health issues so far.
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