Pope Leo XIV arrived at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday for a procedure to remove a small nodule from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the diagnosis on Monday, stating that medical professionals detected the growth at a very early stage and advised surgical intervention. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the surgery is not expected to be lengthy and that the pope anticipates remaining hospitalized for approximately one week. During an Angelus address at St. Peter's Square on Monday, Leo described the finding as a small lump that was well situated. He explained that doctors considered it appropriate to intervene, leading to his decision to undergo surgery, which he noted was already scheduled for the following days. The hospital where the procedure is taking place is widely recognized as the Pope's hospital. The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is cancerous, and no further details regarding the specific diagnosis or the technical aspects of the planned procedure were immediately available. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as the American-born pontiff has no previously known health problems and is known for maintaining an active lifestyle. According to The Associated Press, Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. His health situation arises just before a major international trip scheduled from Nov. 6 to 17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It remains unclear whether the surgery and subsequent recovery period will affect those travel plans. In his Sunday remarks prior to the announcement, Leo also renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine, warning that the conflict continues to inflict suffering far beyond the country's borders. He highlighted that the war affects the poorest countries, where many people depend on exports of cereals and grains.