Pope Francis announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery within the coming days to remove a small, localized lump from his lung. Speaking during his Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the pontiff described the nodule as detected at an early stage and emphasized that doctors had recommended the operation as a precautionary measure.

“Recently, during some check-ups, the doctors found a small, localised nodule in my lung,” Pope Francis said. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised. The doctors believe it is advisable to take action. So, following their advice, I have decided to have surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days.”

Lung nodules are small, well-defined lumps that are quite common and often benign, though some may indicate early-stage tumors. Medical experts usually recommend monitoring these nodules or removing them surgically if necessary.

The Holy See’s press officer, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the surgery is set to take place in the first days of the week and expects a recovery period of approximately one week. He did not disclose further information regarding the pope’s overall health.

The operation is scheduled to be performed at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which has a specialized papal suite designed to accommodate previous popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis himself during previous hospital stays. The suite includes multiple rooms such as living areas, a kitchen, a private chapel, and medical offices.

Despite his upcoming surgery, Pope Francis indicated he intends to proceed with his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. This tour will be his longest papal visit to date and marks a return to Peru, where he lived for approximately 20 years as a missionary and later as bishop of Chiclayo until 2023.

The pope has a history of medical treatments at Gemelli Hospital. In 2021 and 2023, he underwent surgery for colon issues and an abdominal hernia. Pope John Paul II also spent extended periods at the same hospital throughout his papacy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her support for Pope Francis, emphasizing the pope’s calm approach to the upcoming procedure during the Angelus prayer. “I would like to express my personal solidarity, and that of the Italian government, with the Holy Father as he faces the ordeal that lies ahead in the coming days,” she said.

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, also conveyed his sympathy and best wishes for the pope’s recovery, highlighting the hope that the pontiff will soon return to his duties with renewed health.