Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Nodule Surgery

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule detected during recent medical tests. The Vatican confirmed the procedure was planned for this week.

Speaking from the window of the Apost, the pontiff described the nodule as localized and in an early stage. He stated that doctors recommended surgery, which he has agreed to follow.

The surgery was scheduled for the coming days, and the pontiff thanked the public for their support. He also urged followers to pray for his recovery.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni provided additional details, stating the operation is set for the first days of the week and that post-operative recovery is expected to take about a week.

In his weekly address, Pope Leo also called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the safe transport of grain across the Black Sea. He emphasized that 'the daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by war.'

Leo has no known prior health issues and is known for his physical activity, including weekly tennis games. His November trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru remains uncertain due to the planned surgery.