Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery after a nodule was discovered on his lung during a routine medical examination.

He stated during his Sunday prayers that the medical team recommended intervention, and he has agreed to the procedure.

The Pope emphasized that the nodule is well-contained and detected at an early stage, reassuring pilgrims of its limited impact.

This announcement follows nearly 18 months since Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who also faced lung-related health issues.

Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the operation is set for the first days of next week.

The Pope is expected to take approximately a week to recover and will be treated at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The hospital, which has a special Papal suite, was established following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella expressed their support for the Pope's recovery.

International leaders, including Israel's President Isaac Herzog, also extended well-wishes for the Pope's health.

The Pope, born Robert Francis Provost, is the first U.S. citizen to hold the position of Pope and has a history of missionary work in Peru.

Despite his health concerns, the Pope confirmed his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru will proceed as scheduled.

The Archbishop of Montevideo, Daniel Sturla, noted preparations for the tour will continue with increased enthusiasm.