Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a nodule on his lung during a medical examination.
The 71 year old pontiff disclosed the development during his weekly Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square in Rome, explaining that medical professionals had identified an early stage nodule that was well localised.
“The doctors found an early, well localised nodule on my lung,” he told the gathering.
According to the Pope, his medical team believes surgery is the appropriate course of action, and he has agreed to the procedure. He also sought to reassure the faithful that the growth was “well-contained” and had been detected “at an early stage.”
The announcement comes approximately a year and a half after he succeeded the late Pope Francis, who also experienced lung-related health complications that required hospitalisation.
At the end of his Angelus prayer, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to those offering him support and prayers, saying he appreciated their “spiritual closeness” as he prepared for the operation.
Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the procedure had been scheduled for early the following week.
“The operation is scheduled for the first days of next week,” Bruni told the media, adding that the Pope is expected to need about a week to recover.
Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Holy See, reported that the surgery would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The facility has a dedicated suite for the Pope, established following the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in May 1981. The special medical facilities have remained available for papal treatment since then.
News of the planned surgery has prompted messages of support from several world leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her “personal solidarity” with the pontiff as he prepares to face the medical procedure in the coming days.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella also extended his “sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog joined the well-wishers, expressing hope that Pope Leo would make “a full and speedy recovery.”
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pontiff and the first American to lead the Catholic Church. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he became known for his work with marginalised communities.
Despite the upcoming surgery, the Pope confirmed that his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru would proceed as scheduled.
The Archbishop of Montevideo, Daniel Sturla, said preparations for the papal tour would continue with “greater enthusiasm” while encouraging the faithful to pray for the Pope’s recovery.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that is commonly detected through chest X-rays or CT scans, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Although the discovery can raise concerns, most lung nodules do not cause symptoms. Their significance depends on factors such as their size, appearance and underlying cause, which medical professionals assess when determining the appropriate treatment.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.