Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo a surgical procedure in the coming days after medical professionals discovered a lump on his lung during a routine health check. The announcement was made directly by the pontiff to the public gathered in Rome's St Peter's Square for his weekly Sunday prayers.
Addressing the crowd, the 71-year-old leader explained that his medical team identified an early and well-localised nodule on his lung and determined that intervention was necessary. Pope Leo noted that he fully agreed with the recommendation of his doctors to proceed with the operation.
Seeking to alleviate concerns among the faithful, the pontiff reassured pilgrims that the mass is well-contained and was caught at a very early stage of development. Further details regarding the procedure are expected to be released as the medical team prepares for the upcoming operation.