Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove nodule on lung

· Health

Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that doctors found a small growth on his lung during a recent health check and that he will undergo surgery this week to remove it. The 71-year-old pontiff said the nodule was identified "at a very early stage" and was "well-contained." A Vatican spokesman said the surgery is planned for the first days of next week, with about a week of recovery expected. The pope has no previously known health problems and is considered physically active. It is the first health scare of his tenure.

Why it matters：The health of the pope affects the leadership and agenda of the global Catholic Church, and surgery on a 71-year-old pontiff draws attention to his ability to govern.

Key points

  • The nodule was found at a very early stage during a recent health check.
  • Surgery is planned for the first days of next week, with about a week of recovery.
  • The pope has no previously known health problems and leads an active lifestyle.

Sources (original reporting)

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