AI Image
Pope Leo says he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule on his lung
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, announced he will undergo surgery this week to remove an early-stage, localized lung nodule detected during recent medical tests.
- The Vatican stated the operation is scheduled for early this week, with an estimated recovery time of about one week.
- Despite the health news, Pope Leo XIV continued his public duties, appealing for peace in Ukraine and safe grain transport during his Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square.
- The pope, 71, is physically active and has no prior known health issues; it remains uncertain if the surgery will impact his planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- Born Robert Francis Prevost and appointed in 2025, Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2023 after prolonged health complications.
