POPE LEO XIV TO UNDERGO SURGERY FOR EARLY-STAGE LUNG NODULE

The 71-year-old Pontiff reveals during his Sunday Angelus address that doctors discovered a localized lesion during routine medical checks, scheduled for removal in the coming days

Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgical intervention in the coming days to remove a localized nodular lesion recently detected in his lung.  

The 71-year-old Head of the Catholic Church disclosed the medical development personally during his traditional Sunday noon Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square, reassuring the faithful gathered that the condition was identified at an early stage.  

Speaking in Italian, the Pontiff explained that routine clinical examinations uncovered the small, circumscribed nodule, leading attending medical specialists to recommend prompt surgical excision as a precautionary measure.

Following medical counsel, Pope Leo confirmed he agreed to proceed with the procedure, expressing gratitude for the spiritual closeness of the global Catholic community and entrusting himself to their ongoing prayers.  

Vatican official communications confirmed that the procedure has been scheduled for the coming week, with the Holy Father expected to undergo treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the traditional medical facility utilized by successive Roman Pontiffs.  

Spokespersons indicated that medical teams anticipate an uncomplicated recovery period of approximately one week, provided post-operative evaluations remain stable.  

Messages of solidarity and goodwill have poured in from international political figures and global religious leaders, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offering the full support of her government and praising the calm and serene manner in which the Pope addressed his health update.