Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery this week
Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery this week to remove a localized lung nodule discovered during a routine screening. The Vatican confirmed the procedure will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, with a recovery period expected to last about one week.
Why it matters
As a global religious leader, the health status of the Pope is of significant international interest, particularly given his ongoing advocacy for peace in conflict zones.
Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he would have surgery this week to remove a "localized nodule" in his lung.
Leo said the nodule was found at a "very early stage" with doctors recommending surgery.
Only on NPR No one expected Leo to be pope — except everyone who knew him as 'Bob' "Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it," Leo said during his weekly Sunday noon blessing in St. Peter's Square.
The surgery is due to occur at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, which is the primary location for popes to receive medical attention.
Leo has had no known previous health problems.
"I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers," Leo said to the crowds on Sunday.
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6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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