Pope Leo XIV plans lung surgery

Leo announced during his Sunday Angelus prayer that doctors found a localised nodule during recent checks. He accepted their recommendation for surgery to remove it. The Vatican expects the procedure in the first days of the week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, followed by recovery time.

• About one weekExpected recovery after the operation — Vatican estimate
• 6–17 NovPlanned South America trip dates — Schedule remains unconfirmed
• 1.4 billionCatholics led by the pope — Global church membership

Q1

What is a lung nodule?

It is a small lesion in the lung, often found through imaging. It can be benign or malignant, and its nature has not been disclosed.

Q2

Why does the operation matter institutionally?

As pope, Leo is the Catholic Church’s spiritual leader and head of Vatican City State, so a medical absence affects both roles.

Q3

Where will the procedure take place?

The Vatican named Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which has treated several popes and includes accommodation used for papal patients.

Q4

Could the November trip change?

Leo is due to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November, but the Vatican has not announced whether surgery will alter that itinerary.

• Vanguard Nigeria
• El Mundo
• Sud Ouest
• Globo
• Jyllands-Posten
• BBC News
• The Age
• Indiatimes