Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, localized nodule discovered in his lung during a recent medical examination, raising questions about whether the procedure could affect his upcoming international travel plans.

The Vatican said the surgery was scheduled for the first days of the week, with an expected recovery period of approximately seven days. Leo, the first American pope, shared the news during his traditional Sunday noon blessing, thanking those gathered for their support and asking for their prayers.

“During a recent medical check, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” Leo said in remarks delivered in Italian. He explained that the abnormality had been detected at a very early stage and was well-defined.

“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he said. “The surgery is already scheduled for the coming days. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”

A lung nodule is a small abnormal area that can appear on imaging scans of the chest or abdomen. According to the American Cancer Society, these nodules generally measure less than 3 centimeters, or about 1 inch, in diameter. They can develop for several reasons, including infections and inflammation, and their discovery does not automatically mean a person has cancer.

Leo's announcement did not identify the cause of the nodule or indicate that he had been diagnosed with cancer. The pope said doctors recommended removing it, but further details about the procedure and its findings were not immediately available.

The 71-year-old pontiff has no previously known major health problems and is considered physically active. His regular activities have included playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

The upcoming procedure comes ahead of a major international trip scheduled for Nov. 6-17, when Leo is expected to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The pope indicated Sunday that he still planned to make the journey, although it remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery period will affect the itinerary.

Leo is expected to undergo the operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, a medical center that has treated multiple popes and includes a dedicated apartment for pontiffs. His predecessor, Pope Francis, also received treatment there during his final hospitalization.

Francis died on April 21, 2025, following a stroke after a prolonged hospitalization that began with a respiratory crisis and developed into double pneumonia. He had a history of chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was a young man.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for Leo and said the Italian government stood with him as he prepared for the procedure. Meloni, who visited Francis during his final hospitalization, said the pope's calm and composed remarks were reassuring.

The immediate focus will be on the outcome of Leo's surgery and his recovery. Although the nodule was described as small and detected at an early stage, the Vatican has not released further medical details, leaving the exact nature of the condition unknown.