Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has announced, following recent medical examinations, doctors discovered a “small, localized nodule” in his lung.
He further announced via X, he had made the decision to undergo surgery to remove the nodule.
The nodule was found at an “early stage”; and his decision to undergo a surgery is coming after doctors advised “it is best to intervene”.
Pope Leo XIV announced: “Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung.”
He said: “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
The Bishop of Rome made known, the surgery is scheduled to happen in the “coming days” as he expressed trust in the prayers of his “dear friends”.
The Pope said: “The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.”
The surgery announcement by the Sovereign of the Vatican City State is coming virtually a year-and-a-half after he succeeded the Late Pope Francis, who also battled problems with his lungs that called for medical attention.
Matteo Bruni, Holy See Press Office spox, disclosed to the media that, “the operation is scheduled for the first days of next week”; adding, the Pontiff will require about a week for recovery.
Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter – the first US citizen to assume the Office.
