Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localized lung nodule. The announcement was met with widespread prayers and well wishes from political and religious leaders globally, including the presidents of Italy, Ukraine, and Israel, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The surgery is scheduled for the coming days, and the Pope indicated his upcoming apostolic visit to Latin America remains on track.
Who's Involved
Pope Leo XIV
announced he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule
Sergio Mattarella
Italian President who expressed empathy and support
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President who wished the Pope a successful surgery
Isaac Herzog
Israeli President who wished the Pope a speedy recovery
Sarah Mullaly
Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury praying for the Pope
Daniel Sturla
Cardinal of Montevideo confirming the Pope's trip remains on schedule
↳ Why This Matters
The health of the Pope is of significant global interest, impacting religious communities worldwide and potentially influencing international relations and diplomatic efforts, particularly concerning his upcoming apostolic visit to Latin America.
Key facts
Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localized lung nodule.
The surgery is scheduled to take place in the coming days.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella conveyed the empathetic thoughts of the Italian people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished the Pope a successful surgery and full recovery.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog wished Pope Leo XIV a full and speedy recovery.
Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullaly of Canterbury is praying for the Pope's swift recovery.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Oct. 11 that he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localized lung nodule detected by doctors. The pontiff made the surprise announcement during his Sunday Angelus address, stating the operation is scheduled for the coming days and that he entrusts himself to prayers.
Following the announcement, numerous political and religious leaders from around the world expressed their support and well wishes. Italian President Sergio Mattarella conveyed the "affectionate thoughts of all Italians" and the "caring thoughts of countless people, in Italy as well as across the world, whether believers or non-believers." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished the Pope "a successful surgery and a swift, full recovery," adding that Ukraine is grateful for his prayers and calls for peace. Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent wishes for a "full and speedy recovery" from Jerusalem, while Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela also extended prayers and best wishes.
Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullaly of Canterbury stated she was "holding Pope Leo XIV in my prayers," asking for God's protection. Viktor Eichner, the World Jewish Congress' representative to the Holy See, also wished the Pope a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
The surgery announcement comes as Pope Leo XIV prepares for his longest international trip, a 12-day apostolic visit to Latin America. Cardinal Daniel Sturla of Montevideo confirmed that despite the surprise announcement, the plans for the Nov. 6-17 trip remain the same, with prayers for the Pope's health.
Frequently asked questions
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for a 12-day apostolic visit to Latin America, including stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, from November 6-17.
Prayers and support came from political leaders such as the presidents of Italy, Ukraine, and Israel, the Prime Minister of Malta, and religious leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the World Jewish Congress representative.
Doctors detected a small, localized nodule in the Pope's lung, which he will undergo surgery to remove. Initial reports mentioned the removal of part of his right lung.
What Happens Next
01Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule in the coming days.
02Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to embark on a 12-day apostolic visit to Latin America from Nov. 6-17.
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How It Developed
Pope Leo XIV announced he would undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule.
The Pope stated the operation was scheduled for the coming days.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed deep empathy and support from the Italian people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished the Pope a successful surgery and swift recovery.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog wished Pope Leo XIV a full and speedy recovery.
Maltese Prime Prime Minister Robert Abela extended prayers and best wishes.
Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullaly of Canterbury stated she was holding the Pope in her prayers.
World Jewish Congress representative Viktor Eichner wished the Pope a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
