Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent surgery to remove a small nodule from his lung on Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, the Vatican reported. The 71-year-old pontiff had stated on Monday that doctors discovered the nodule in its very early stages and recommended its removal.
The surgery proceeded as planned, and Pope Leo XIV is expected to stay in the hospital for about a week, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
"Doctors found a small lump in the lung," Leo said on Monday following an Angelus address at St. Peter's Square. "It was identified at a very early stage and well situated." He added that doctors deemed it appropriate to intervene. The Vatican has not specified whether the nodule is cancerous.
Before the surgery, the pontiff was known for maintaining an active lifestyle, regularly playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat. He is also scheduled for an international trip from November 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, though it remains unclear if his recovery will impact these plans.
In addition to addressing his health, Pope Leo XIV used his Sunday remarks to call for peace in Ukraine, noting the widespread suffering caused by the ongoing conflict. "The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains," the pope stated.