Pope Leo XIV revealed on Sunday, October 11, that he will soon undergo surgery to remove a nodule discovered in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations. At 71 years old, the pontiff shared that the lesion was caught at an early stage, and he chose to follow his doctors' advice to proceed with the operation.
The announcement came at the end of the Angelus prayer in front of the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square and was verified by Vatican News, the official media outlet of the Holy See.
Medical Recommendations and Spiritual Support
Leo XIV mentioned that the nodule is "well located," and specialists have deemed it advisable to remove it. He expressed gratitude for the spiritual support of the faithful and asked them to keep him in their prayers. His message was also shared on his official Spanish account on X.
Details of the Upcoming Operation
The surgical procedure is set for the early days of the week starting Monday, October 12, and will take place at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, as stated by the Vatican.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, indicated that the expected hospital stay following the surgery would be around a week. This is a medical estimate and not a confirmed discharge date.
Uncertainty Regarding Nodule's Nature
Until Sunday's announcement, the Vatican had not disclosed any diagnosis regarding the nodule's nature. The discovery of a lung lesion does not automatically imply a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, no specific date for the surgery has been announced as of yet.
Presently, the Holy See has clarified that the nodule was detected early, is localized, and that medical professionals have recommended its removal. Further details on the procedure and the Pope's recovery will depend on future official announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Leo XIV's Health
What is the prognosis for Pope Leo XIV's surgery?
The prognosis is generally positive as the nodule was detected early, and specialists are confident in the procedure to remove it.
Where will the surgery take place?
The surgery will be conducted at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome.
Has the Vatican confirmed the nature of the nodule?
As of now, the Vatican has not confirmed whether the nodule is benign or malignant.