Pope Leo XIV: most lung nodules are benign, but risk increases with age; understand

A pulmonary nodule is a small lesion found in the lung through examination. The nodule can be benign or malignant — in the case of the pope, the characteristics of the lesion were not reported.

According to the American Cancer Society in the United States, a lung nodule usually measures less than 3 centimeters and may appear on computed tomography scans of the chest or abdomen during routine exams.

It is more common, however, for these tests to be carried out to investigate trauma or lung infections, without necessarily being related to lung cancer screening.

According to the American Thoracic Society, also in the USA, less than 5% of all lung nodules found in exams are cancerous. However, the organization says the risk increases with age, size and other factors, such as smoking.

The 71-year-old pope does not smoke and has no other known health problems. He usually exercises during the week, according to the Vatican. The pontiff swims and plays tennis.

Leo XIV stated that the nodule was detected at an early stage and its growth is "well controlled". Still, the pope said, doctors recommended surgery for removal.

The pope announced that he will perform the surgery during the Angelus, a traditional prayer, this Sunday at the Vatican.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni did not provide details of the exam. Bruni only said that the surgery will take place in a few days, at the Gemelli hospital, in Rome, and that the pontiff's recovery after the surgery should take about a week.

The spokesperson also did not say whether the pontiff will continue with his agenda after that -- Leo XIV has a two-week trip to Latin America in early November, the first he will make to the continent. He will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, a country he has lived in for more than 20 years.

There was also no information about the condition of the pontiff, who is 71 years old and has no other known health problems.

Of North American origin, Robert Prevost was elected pope in May 2025, replacing Pope Francis, Argentine, who died in April last year after a series of health problems.