Pope Leo XIV Says He Needs Surgery for Small Lung Growth

Pope Leo XIV will have surgery to remove a small growth on his lung.

The 71-year-old pope announced the news himself on Oct. 11 during the Angelus, the weekly midday prayer he leads from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The Vatican published his remarks in an Oct. 11 bulletin titled "The Pope's words at the Angelus prayer." Vatican Press Office

Doctors found the growth during a recent health check, according to Reuters. The pope said it was a small, localized nodule. He decided to have it removed on his doctors' advice.

The nodule was caught at a very early stage and is well contained, according to Town & Country. That detail matters. It means doctors spotted the problem before it spread.

He is expected to enter Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13. Gemelli is the hospital that has treated popes for decades. The operation was scheduled for Oct. 13 or the following Wednesday.

This is the first major medical event of his pontificate so far. Leo became pope earlier this year after the death of Pope Francis in April. Health updates on a new pope draw close attention because his schedule sets the pace for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

What stands out here is how directly he shared it. He did not leave the announcement to aides. He told the crowd in his own words and asked for prayers.