Pope Leo XIV to have 'early-stage' lung nodule surgically removed

Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule discovered in his lung, marking the first major health concern for the 71-year-old pontiff since he became the leader of the Catholic Church last year.

Pope Leo XIV to have 'early-stage' lung nodule surgically removed

TL;DR

  • Pope Leo XIV will have surgery to remove a lung nodule discovered during a recent examination.
  • The nodule was detected at an early and localized stage, and doctors recommended its removal.
  • The surgery is scheduled for early this week at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
  • The Pope is expected to remain at the hospital for approximately one week.
  • The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is cancerous.
  • Leo XIV plans to proceed with his scheduled trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.
  • This health concern comes shortly after Leo XIV reaffirmed the Catholic Church's opposition to capital punishment.