From The Japan Times · No Author · · 1m
Pope Leo to Undergo Lung Surgery
Pope Leo will have surgery this week for a small lung growth detected early.
In brief
Pope Leo will have surgery this week for a small lung growth detected early. Pope Leo will undergo surgery this week to remove a small lung growth found during recent health checks. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
Pope Leo's Health Update
Pope Leo said doctors detected a small lung growth during recent health checks.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung”
Surgery Scheduled for Next Days
The pope will undergo surgery this week to remove the growth, as doctors advised.
“The operation is already scheduled for the next few days”
Early Detection
The growth was found at an early stage and is well-contained, according to the pope.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well contained”
Lung Nodule Details
Lung nodules are small, localized lesions with fewer than 5% being cancerous.
“The American Thoracic Society says fewer than 5% of lung nodules overall prove cancerous”
Pope's Background
Pope Leo, elected in May 2025, is relatively young for a Church leader.
“Leo was elected pope by the world’s cardinals in May 2025”
Recovery Timeline
The Vatican expects Pope Leo’s recovery from surgery to take about a week.
“The Vatican press office said Leo’s recovery from surgery was expected to take about a week”
Upcoming Tour
Pope Leo will begin an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on November 6.
“Leo keeps a busy schedule and is due to make an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17”
At a glance
Pope Leo will undergo surgery this week to remove a small lung growth found during recent health checks.
