Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove nodule on lung

Leo said surgery will take place in the coming days. Picture: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Pope Leo has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung that was recently discovered during medical checks.

The pontiff said it was found in an early stage and was “circumscribed”. He said surgery is scheduled in the coming days.

The 71-year-old made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing.

A Vatican spokesman said surgery is planned in the coming week, with a recovery period of one week then expected.

The Pope has no previously known health problems and is known to be physically active, with weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Leo has a major trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November.

The Vatican statement did not say what impact, if any, the surgery or recovery would have on the trip, but the Pope on Sunday asked for prayers for his upcoming visit to Peru especially.