Pope Leo XIV discovers a small lump in his lung and will have it removed within a few days

Catholic Pope Leo XIV said today that doctors discovered a small mass in his lung during a recent health check-up, and he will have surgery to remove it in the next few days.

Reuters reported that Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old and this is the first health warning during his pontificate. He was elected pope in the global election of cardinals in May 2025. He is relatively young for a church leader. He loves sports, including playing tennis. It is reported that he has had no health problems in the past.

Leo XIV told pilgrims attending weekly Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square: "During some recent medical examinations, the doctors discovered a localized nodule (nodule) in my lungs. It was discovered at a very early stage and its extent was limited."

He pointed out: "The doctors thought it was best to take medical intervention, so I followed their advice and decided to perform surgery. The surgery has been scheduled for the next few days."