Pope Leo arrives at hospital for surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV arrived at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome for a procedure to remove a small node on his lung on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old pontiff said Monday that doctors discovered the nodule at a "very early stage" and recommended its removal.

The surgery is not expected to last long, and the pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni .

"Doctors found a small lump in the lung," Leo said after an Angelus address at St.

Peter's Square on Monday.

"It was identified at a very early stage and well situated." POPE LEO ANNOUNCES TUMOR ON LUNG, SURGERY PLANNED IN 'NEXT FEW DAYS' "The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it," he continued.

"The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days.

I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer." The surgery is likely to take place within a few days at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which is known as the "Pope's" hospital, Vatican sources told Fox News.

POPE LEO XIV BEGINS HISTORIC 4-DAY VISIT TO FRANCE The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is cancerous, and no further details about the pope's diagnosis or the planned procedure were immediately available.

The announcement comes as a surprise for the American-born pontiff, who has no previously known health problems and is known for maintaining an active lifestyle.

POPE LEO VISITS SITE OF MIRACLE CURES, MEETS PEOPLE WHOSE UNEXPLAINED HEALINGS STUNNED DOCTORS Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, according to The Associated Press .

The pope is also scheduled to embark on a major international trip from Nov.

6–17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

It remains unclear whether his surgery and recovery will affect those travel plans.