Pope Leo XIV announced today that he will undergo a surgical procedure in the coming days to remove a nodule located in one of his lungs, detected during recent medical checkups.

Addressing the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square after the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, the Supreme Pontiff explained that the lesion was identified at a very early stage and is well-defined.

The Bishop of Rome noted that doctors considered it advisable to perform the intervention and that he decided to follow their recommendations. He also thanked those present for their spiritual closeness and asked them to accompany him with their prayers.

According to a subsequent statement by Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni, the operation is scheduled for the early days of next week, with an estimated hospital stay of approximately seven days.

During his greeting to the pilgrims, Leo XIV also expressed gratitude for prayers regarding his upcoming pastoral visit to Peru, planned as part of a Latin American tour that also includes Uruguay and Argentina from November 6 to 17.

The announcement came during the pontiff's traditional Sunday meeting with the faithful, where, in addition to reflecting on the Gospel, he shares greetings and messages regarding religious events and current affairs.