Pope Leo to Undergo Lung Surgery

people holding hands — Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / Unsplash

Vatican City Pope Leo XIV announced on October 11 that he will undergo a minor surgery related to his health in the coming days. After the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo addressed all believers and pilgrims, revealing that recent health examinations showed a small nodule in his lung. He stated, "The doctors have recommended surgery, so according to their advice, I have decided to proceed with this surgery in the coming days." The date for the surgery has already been set. He expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers." This operation will take place at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital in Rome.

Responding to questions from journalists, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that "the operation is scheduled for the first days of the upcoming week, and recovery will take about a week after the surgery." Following the Pope's announcement regarding his health, the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, sent a message expressing that the Pope's health-related announcement after the Angelus prayer moved the people of Italy. He wrote, "The Italian people are very close to you and express their affection for you. You can count on the prayers of not only Catholics but also people from Italy and around the world, believers and non-believers alike. "I sincerely pray for your swift recovery and hope you will be well soon."

Additionally, Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, assured the Pope of special prayers from the community, stating, "In this delicate situation, we stand with him and entrust him to the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani." He added, "We are one family: Pope, you are not alone. We are always united with you in our prayers and affection so that the surgery can be successful and that you may recover quickly in the peace and strength of the Lord." The Vicar of the Diocese of Rome expressed his closeness regarding the Pope’s health and entrusted him to the hands of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, in his prayers.