Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:54 · Archive

Pope Leo, 71, will have surgery to remove a nodular lesion discovered during routine medical checks.

Pope Leo, 71, announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung recently discovered during medical checks. Speaking to pilgrims in St Peter's Square, he said the growth was found at an early stage and is 'well-contained'. 'Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung,' the pontiff said. 'It was detected at a very early stage and is well contained. The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.'

The Vatican press office said the pope's recovery from surgery was expected to take about a week. The American pope has no previously known health problems and remains physically active, with weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Leo has a major trip planned from November 6, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It remains unclear whether the planned surgery and recovery will affect the itinerary.

How it is being reported

• Pope Leo to have surgery to remove lung nodulePope Leo has announced he will undergo surgery in coming days to remove a nodular lesion on his lung.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 11:42
• Pope Leo to have surgery to remove lung nodulePope Leo has announced he will undergo surgery in coming days to remove a nodular lesion on his lung.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 11:41

In this story: Pope Leo · Vatican · St Peter's Square · Castel Gandolfo · Uruguay · Argentina · Peru

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem