What we know about Pope Leo XIV's planned lung operation this week

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery this week to remove a lung nodule at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff announced that doctors detected a small growth during a recent health check, describing it as “well-contained” and caught at an early stage. This surgery marks the first health scare of his tenure as pope. The Vatican has not confirmed the exact date of the operation, but it is anticipated that the recovery period will last approximately seven days. During his weekly Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo informed pilgrims about the situation, stating, “Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung.” He reassured the public that the growth was detected early, which is crucial for a favorable outcome. The surgery is intended to address this localized nodule, and the pontiff is expected to make a full recovery. Following his recovery, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru on November 6. The planned trip indicates that the Vatican is optimistic about his health following the procedure. The announcement of the surgery has garnered attention, highlighting the pontiff's health and the importance of early detection in medical examinations.