Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a localized lung nodule detected during recent medical checks.
Key facts
- •Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old and the first US citizen to lead the Catholic Church.
- •The lung nodule was described by the Pope as being at a very early, localized stage.
- •The surgery is scheduled to take place at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
- •The expected recovery time for the procedure is approximately one week.
- •The Pope is currently scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule found during recent medical examinations. Speaking during his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, the 71-year-old pontiff stated the nodule was detected at an early stage and is well-localized. The Vatican confirmed the procedure is scheduled for the coming days at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, with an expected recovery period of approximately one week.
By the numbers
Medical Details and Recovery
The Vatican press office stated that the operation is planned for the first days of the upcoming week. The 71-year-old Pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, is expected to require about one week of recovery following the procedure. The surgery will take place at Gemelli University Hospital, a facility that has frequently treated popes since the papacy of John Paul II.
International Reaction and Travel Plans
Following the announcement, several world leaders expressed support, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. While the Vatican has not officially confirmed the impact on his schedule, the Pope indicated during his Sunday service that his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November remains on the agenda. Church officials in those regions have called for continued prayers and preparations for the visit.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Buenos Aires Times, Taipei Times, BBC Europe.
