Pope Leo XIV disclosed plans to have surgery following the discovery of a lung nodule during a medical check-up. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement during his weekly Sunday prayers at St Peter’s Square in Rome, stating that his medical team determined intervention was necessary. He characterized the nodule as early-stage and well-localized, describing it as caught at an initial phase of development.
A spokesperson for the Holy See Press Office indicated the operation would take place during the first days of the following week, with an anticipated recovery period of approximately one week. The procedure is scheduled to occur at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which maintains a specialized papal suite established after a historical assassination attempt in May 1981.
The pontiff’s upcoming health matter prompted expressions of support from international leaders. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella both conveyed solidarity and wishes for recovery, as did Isaac Herzog, president of Israel. Leo XIV confirmed that his planned travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November would proceed as scheduled, with church officials expressing commitment to maintaining preparations for the visit.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has served as the 267th pontiff and holds the distinction of being the first United States citizen to occupy the position. He was ordained in 1982 and previously served as a missionary in Peru, working with disadvantaged populations. His papacy followed the tenure of Pope Francis, who also experienced lung-related health concerns requiring medical intervention.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI