Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

· Health · Italy

Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo surgery this week to remove a lung nodule at Rome's Gemelli hospital, with doctors anticipating a recovery of about seven days. The 71-year-old pontiff is due to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on November 6, though the Vatican has not confirmed the operation date. The planned surgery raises questions about whether the Latin America trip will proceed. A one-week hospital recovery suggests the procedure is relatively contained, but it will keep the pope out of public duties briefly.

Why it matters：The pope's health affects the leadership of the world's Catholics and the schedule of his planned Latin America visit.

Key points

  • Pope Leo XIV is expected to have surgery to remove a lung nodule at Rome's Gemelli hospital
  • Doctors anticipate a recovery of about seven days
  • The 71-year-old pontiff is due to travel to Latin America on November 6, but the Vatican has not confirmed the surgery date

Sources (original reporting)

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