Rome:Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery "in the coming days" after a nodule was discovered on his lung during a routine medical check-up. The Pope shared this information with the public during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square.
According to Ghana Web, the Pope, aged 71, explained that his doctors found an "early, well-localised nodule" and advised that it would be appropriate to intervene surgically. He reassured pilgrims that the mass was "well-contained" and detected at an "early stage," and he has agreed to the operation.
The need for surgery comes nearly a year and a half after Pope Leo succeeded the late Pope Francis, who also faced lung issues requiring hospital treatment. Pope Leo concluded his address by expressing gratitude for the "spiritual closeness" of his followers and entrusted himself to their prayers.
Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the surgery is planned for the first days of next week, with an expected recovery time of about one week. Vatican News reported that the procedure will be conducted at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where a Papal suite exists for such occasions.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella have both expressed their support for the Pope, wishing him a peaceful recovery. Israel's President Isaac Herzog also extended his wishes for a quick and full recovery.
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first US citizen to become the Pope and the 267th person to occupy the throne of St Peter. He was ordained in 1982 and is known for his missionary work in Peru with marginalized communities.
Despite the upcoming surgery, Pope Leo confirmed that his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November will proceed as scheduled. The Archbishop of Montevideo, Daniel Sturla, announced that preparations for the tour will continue with "greater enthusiasm" and called for prayers for the Pope's recovery.