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What to know about Pope Leo’s planned lung nodule surgery
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV, 71, will undergo surgery this week to remove a localized lung nodule detected at an early stage; the nodule could be benign or malignant, but early removal generally leads to an excellent prognosis.
- The surgery will take place at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, with an expected recovery period of about one week; the pope remains physically fit and healthy otherwise, which is favorable for his recovery.
- Leo has several scheduled activities this week, including a public Mass on Wednesday and a major trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November, though it is unclear if the surgery will impact these plans.
- Despite the surgery and potential unconsciousness, Pope Leo will retain full papal authority during his recovery, as there are no Vatican rules for temporary incapacitation of a pope.
- Two days before announcing his surgery, Leo appointed Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new dean of the College of Cardinals, a key role in papal transitions and conclaves.
