VATICAN CITY, October 11. /TASS/. Pope Leo XIV has said he is to undergo lung surgery to remove a small nodule.

"During some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days," the 71-year-old pontiff said.

Sources in Vatican told TASS that the 71-year-old pontiff may be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital as early as October 12.

The current pontiff, who was elected shortly before his 70th birthday, stays in good physical shape. He is known to love tennis and continues to play the sport. There is a swimming pool at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he travels regularly once a week and spent his summer vacation. Leo XIV is scheduled to make a 12-day apostolic visit to Latin American countries: Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November. The pontiff spent more than 20 years as a missionary in Peru and holds Peruvian citizenship.