During his weekly Sunday address at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo shared news of a personal health challenge, revealing that doctors discovered a small, localized nodule on his lung during a routine check-up. The 71-year-old pontiff reassured pilgrims that the growth was identified in its early stages and remains well-contained. Acting on medical advice, he confirmed that he will undergo a surgical procedure this week to have the nodule removed.

Elected as pope in May 2025, Leo has generally been seen as a physically active leader, known for his interest in sports like tennis and a lack of significant prior health concerns. Vatican officials have indicated that the operation is already on the schedule, and they anticipate a recovery period of approximately one week following the surgery. This marks the first major health concern for the pontiff since he began his tenure.