Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that doctors found a localized lung growth during a recent examination and that he will undergo surgery this week. The 71 year old pontiff told people gathered in St. Peter's Square that physicians detected the growth at an early stage, while the Vatican expects about one week of hospital recovery. Pope Leo XIV said doctors believe removing the growth is the best option. The Vatican has not said whether the nodule is cancerous, so the procedure will provide more information about the diagnosis and next steps. What Does This Mean for His Schedule? The upcoming operation marks the first major health scare of Pope Leo XIV's papacy, which began in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis . Despite the surgery, the Vatican still lists Pope Leo XIV's planned November trip to South America on the schedule. Pope Leo XIV thanked supporters for their prayers before heading into the procedure. For now, the Vatican's update points to a planned operation and a short hospital stay, with more details expected after doctors remove and examine the growth.