Pope Leo XIV is set to enter a Rome hospital for removal of a lung nodule

Vatican City (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery at a Rome hospital on Tuesday to remove a lung nodule. Experts believe the procedure will determine if the lesion is malignant and whether additional treatment is necessary. Pope Leo has been transparent about his health during his 17-month papacy, revealing the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday noon prayer.

The Vatican announced that he would be admitted to Gemelli hospital, a leading medical facility in Rome, for the surgery and a subsequent week-long hospital stay. Specialists expect the operation to be performed using robotic technology, allowing for minimally invasive techniques and biopsy before the main surgery. The risks associated with the procedure are minimal, with a low mortality rate for patients in good health.

If the biopsy results are negative, no further treatment will be required. Pope Leo's surgery marks the first major health issue of his papacy, and his decision to announce the news publicly is considered an unprecedented level of transparency.