Pope Leo XIV announced during his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square that he will undergo a surgical operation in the coming days. The pontiff stated that medical professionals reportedly found a well-localised nodule on his lung during a routine check-up, prompting recommendations for immediate medical intervention.

Addressing the gathered pilgrims, the 71-year-old religious leader sought to reassure the public by claiming the mass was caught at an early stage and remained well-contained. Holy See Press Office spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that the procedure is scheduled for early next week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with an anticipated recovery period of approximately one week.

The announcement prompted responses from various international figures. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella publicly extended their wishes for his recovery. Meanwhile, the leader of the Israeli regime, Isaac Herzog, purportedly offered his best wishes for the pontiff's swift return to health.

Born Robert Francis Provost, Pope Leo succeeded to the papacy in 2025 as the first American occupant of the throne. Despite the upcoming medical procedure, Vatican officials confirmed that the pontiff's planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November remains scheduled to proceed.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk