Pope Leo XIV to have surgery after nodule found on lung

Pope Leo announces he will undergo surgery for early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV has announced he will be operated on "in the coming days" after a nodule was found on his lung during a medical check-up.

The 71-year-old said his medical team "believe it would be right to intervene" and he had agreed to the operation, while reassuring pilgrims that the mass was "well-contained" and caught "at an early stage".

Leo concluded his Angelus prayer by thanking everyone for their "spiritual closeness" and said he entrusted himself to their prayers.

The hospital set up a special Papal suite following the failed assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II's life in May 1981, which is still in use today.

Her sentiments were echoed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who offered his "sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health".

The Pope, born Robert Francis Provost, is the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter – the first US citizen to do so.

During Sunday's service, the Pope confirmed his upcoming visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November will still go ahead.

A lung nodule is a small lump of tissue that is usually detected following an X-ray or CT scan of the chest, according to the NHS.

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