Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery for Small Lung Growth This Week
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Pope Leo disclosed Sunday that medical examinations revealed a localised nodule in his lung, prompting him to schedule surgery for the coming days. The 71-year-old pontiff, elected in May 2025, addressed pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Sunday prayer, describing the growth as well-contained and detected at an early stage . The Vatican press office stated the Pope's recovery is expected to take approximately one week .
Key Points
- Pope Leo, 71, will undergo surgery this week to remove a small lung nodule detected during recent medical examinations
- The growth was described as "well-contained" and caught at a "very early stage" during health checks
- The Pope told pilgrims at Sunday's prayer in St. Peter's Square: "Doctors found a localised nodule in my lung... it is advisable to intervene"
- Vatican press office said recovery from surgery is expected to take about a week, with no further health details immediately provided
- Pope Leo is scheduled to embark on an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17
Why It Matters
This marks the first significant health concern for Pope Leo during his tenure, coming ahead of his planned 11-day Latin American pastoral tour . While lung nodules are often benign with fewer than 5 percent proving cancerous according to the American Thoracic Society, the timing raises questions about the Vatican's contingency planning and the new pontiff's health management as he settles into his role .
This marks the first significant health concern for Pope Leo during his tenure, coming ahead of his planned 11-day Latin American pastoral tour . While lung nodules are often benign with fewer than 5 percent proving cancerous according to the American Thoracic Society, the timing raises questions about the Vatican's contingency planning and the new pontiff's health management as he settles into his role .