rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for surgery at a Rome hospital on Tuesday to remove a lung nodule detected during a routine medical examination, the Vatican announced Monday.
The Vatican said the nodule was not associated with inflammation or infection. The American-born pontiff announced during his Sunday Angelus address that he would undergo the procedure in the coming days.
Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope was following his schedule on Monday ahead of the operation.
The surgery will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which has treated several popes, including St. John Paul II, who served from 1978 to 2005.
The Vatican expects Pope Leo to need about one week to recover.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the pontiff following the announcement.
Mattarella said Italians were united in wishing the pope a peaceful convalescence and swift recovery.
Meloni, writing on X, conveyed her personal support and that of the Italian government, expressing confidence that Italians would show affection and solidarity with the pontiff during his recovery.
Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery at Rome Hospital
