Pope Leo said Sunday tests had discovered a nodule in his lung, which he will have removed surgically this week.
The big picture: The first American pontiff, aged 71, is less than 18 months into a papacy that has been defined by public stances at odds with the White House, including clashes over immigration and deep skepticism about AI.
What he's saying: "Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe surgery is appropriate," the pope said during public remarks, per a translation from the Vatican.
- "Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers."
The pope did not explicitly say the nodule was malignant.
- Vatican officials later said the operation would be in the next few days and the recovery would take about a week.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.