The procedure followed the discovery of a small, localised lung nodule during routine medical examinations. Pope Leo disclosed the finding during his Angelus address on Sunday, October 11, explaining that doctors had detected it at an early stage and recommended surgery.
The Pope accepted the medical advice and announced that the operation had been scheduled for the following days.
Vatican officials said he was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week. His public audiences have been cancelled until October 20 to allow him time to recover.
The operation is the first major health issue publicly disclosed during Leo’s papacy, which began in May 2025. The Chicago-born pontiff became the first American to lead the Catholic Church following his election.
News of the planned surgery prompted messages of support and prayers from Catholics and other well-wishers. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, led a rosary prayer at the hospital chapel and encouraged parishes across the city to join in praying for the Pope’s recovery.
The discovery of a lung nodule does not automatically mean a person has cancer. Such nodules can have several causes, including non-cancerous conditions, and further medical assessment may be needed to establish their nature. The Vatican’s initial announcement did not identify the nodule as cancerous.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Whether the planned trip will proceed as scheduled will depend on his recovery and any subsequent medical advice.
The Vatican has said further information would be provided as appropriate. For now, the successful completion of the operation marks the beginning of the Pope’s recovery period.
Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia
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