Photo: Gregorio Borgia ~ AP
VATICAN CITY ~ Pope Leo XIV asked for prayers from the faithful after announcing he will undergo surgery this week to remove a small nodule doctors recently discovered in his lung. The pontiff said the growth was detected at an early stage and is well localized, leading doctors to recommend the procedure.
For many Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the announcement shifted attention from the pope’s weekly Angelus message to concern for his health and recovery. Vatican officials said the surgery is expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with an anticipated recovery period of about one week.
