Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff said the small, localized nodule was detected at a very early stage during a recent medical check and that he is proceeding with the operation at his doctors' request.

According to multiple sources, the nodule is described as early-stage and small. The specific date of the surgery was not disclosed in available reports, though sources indicate it will take place "in the coming days" or "this week" following the announcement.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from Catholic leaders and officials worldwide. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, represented by Archbishop Paul Coakley, said the bishops "join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health" and called for divine guidance for the Pope's surgical team. Similar statements of solidarity and prayer came from bishops and church leaders in Malta, Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, and Italy. Italian President Sergio Mattarella conveyed his "affectionate expression of concern" to the Pope.

Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, called for prayers ahead of Pope Leo's scheduled Apostolic Journey to Uruguay in November. The Uruguayan Bishops' Conference stated that the Pope's visit remains unchanged and that preparations "continue with hope to welcome him to Uruguay." This detail appears significant given the timing of the surgery relative to the international travel schedule.

Church officials in Peru praised Pope Leo's "fortitude and humility" in making the medical situation public. The Peruvian Bishops' Conference invited Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for his health, describing him as "Lord of life and source of all health." Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, expressed gratitude for what he called the Pope's "simplicity and trust" in allowing the faithful to share in this "trial."

The Pope's decision to publicly announce his medical condition and surgery stands in keeping with recent Vatican practice of transparency regarding papal health matters. No complications or concerning findings beyond the nodule were reported in the available accounts.