Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule that was found on his lung during a recent medical examination.

The 71-year-old pontiff said the lung nodule was caught at an early stage and doctors recommended surgery to remove it. 

“The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” Leo told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.