Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove a “small, localised nodule” from his lung.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Holy See Press Office, published on the Vatican website, on Tuesday evening.
The 71-year-old pontiff entered the hospital smiling and waving on Tuesday morning, hours before the operation to remove the growth, which was described as resembling a coin on the lung.
“The procedure was successfully completed, within the expected time and in the planned manner,” the Vatican said in a brief statement.
“The Holy Father has returned to his room,” it added, saying further details would be provided later.
The surgery was done at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome.
“Further information will follow,” the statement read.
Recall that Catholics around the world offered prayers and sent goodwill messages on Sunday following the announcement by Pope Leo XIV that he would undergo surgery during the week to remove a lung nodule.
Addressing Catholics gathered for the Angelus at the Vatican on Sunday, the Pope disclosed that his doctors had discovered a “localised nodule” in his lung and recommended surgery.
