VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week to remove a small growth detected on his lung, marking the first significant health scare of his papacy.
The 71-year-old pontiff delivered the news personally to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square during his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer. Standing at the window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope appeared composed as he shared the medical update with the faithful, emphasizing that the condition was identified during a routine health screening.
“I wish to share with you that during a recent medical examination, a small growth was detected on my lung,” the Pope told the crowd. He sought to reassure the global Catholic community by noting that the medical team described the mass as “well-contained.” According to the pontiff, the growth was caught at an early stage, offering a favorable prognosis for his recovery.
Vatican officials confirmed shortly after the announcement that the surgery is scheduled to take place within the coming days at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the same facility frequently used by his predecessors for major medical interventions. While the Vatican did not provide specific details regarding the exact nature of the growth or the duration of the procedure, a spokesperson stated that the Holy See would provide further updates following the operation.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a rigorous travel and administrative schedule, often meeting with dozens of diplomats, clergy, and visitors each week. Sunday’s announcement comes as a surprise to many, as the pontiff has appeared to be in good spirits and health during his recent public appearances.
The news of the impending surgery has prompted an immediate outpouring of concern and support from world leaders and religious figures alike. In St. Peter’s Square, the announcement was met with a somber, collective silence followed by sustained applause and prayers from the pilgrims, many of whom held rosaries and banners expressing their well-wishes for the Pope.
The medical team at the Gemelli Hospital is expected to oversee the procedure, which will necessitate a brief period of convalescence for the pontiff. Vatican protocol typically requires a period of rest following such surgical interventions, leading to the expectation that the Pope’s public schedule will be curtailed for several days as he recovers.
Despite the clinical nature of the news, the Pope remained focused on his duties, concluding his Sunday address by thanking the faithful for their prayers and urging them to keep him in their thoughts as he prepares for the procedure. As the Holy See prepares for the operation, the focus remains on a swift and successful recovery for the head of the Catholic Church.
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