Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery Before Latin America Trip
The 71-year-old pontiff announced he will be hospitalized this week to remove an early-stage lung nodule, with a week of recovery planned before his November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
KEY POINTS
- Pope Leo XIV, 71, will have surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule
- Operation scheduled for early this week at Gemelli Hospital in Rome
- Vatican expects roughly one week of post-operative hospitalization
- November trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru remains on schedule for now
- Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pope and holds Peruvian citizenship
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that doctors discovered a small, well-localized nodule in his lung during routine check-ups. Speaking from the Apostolic Palace window after the Angelus prayer, the 71-year-old pontiff said surgeons will remove the nodule in the coming days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The Vatican press office confirmed the procedure is scheduled for early this week and expects a post-operative hospital stay of approximately one week. Director Matteo Bruni stated the recovery timeline remains on track.
“Doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I have decided to operate to remove it.”
The surgery raises questions about the Pope's planned November 8-11 trip to Argentina, with stops in Uruguay and Peru. Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope who holds Peruvian citizenship, told Peruvian pilgrims he still intends to make the pastoral visit.
Medical experts note that lung nodules are often benign and, when caught early, carry a favorable prognosis. A Rome-based physician said the Pope's relatively young age, active lifestyle, and the early detection suggest a smooth recovery.
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