Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule detected during recent health checks. The Vatican stated the procedure is scheduled for early next week, with a one-week hospital recovery expected.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent health checks. The 71-year-old pope made the announcement on Sunday to those gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer.
According to the pope, the nodule was identified early. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined. The doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” Leo said.
A lung nodule is a small mass of dense tissue on the lung. While most are non-cancerous, risks can rise with factors like age. The Vatican stated that the procedure is scheduled for early next week and that the pope will need a week in hospital to recover.
During the pope’s hospital stay, the Vatican will continue to function as normal. However, decisions requiring the pope’s signature will be placed on hold until he returns.
Pope Leo XIV is generally seen to be in good health. He plays tennis and remains physically active. His predecessor, Pope Francis, faced multiple health difficulties and spent an extended period in hospital during the final months of his life.
The pope has a demanding daily schedule of meetings and public events, though he takes a day off on Tuesdays at the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo. Leo XIV is currently preparing for a major visit to Latin America from 6-17 November, where he is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni offered her support to Leo “as he faces this challenge in the coming days.”
This announcement marks a significant health event for the current pontiff, occurring just weeks before a major international trip. The temporary suspension of decisions requiring the pope’s signature highlights the administrative impact of his recovery period on the Vatican’s operations.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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