Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital to remove a small nodule in his lung, which doctors detected at a very early stage. The operation is scheduled for the first days of this week, with an estimated recovery period of about one week.
The Pope announced the planned surgery during the Angelus on Sunday, October 11, explaining that his doctors had recommended removing the nodule. He said he had decided to follow their advice and thanked people for their support and prayers.
According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the procedure is expected to take place in the coming days, followed by approximately one week of recovery.
Following the announcement, Catholic leaders and bishops’ conferences across several countries expressed their support for the Pope and called on the faithful to pray for his health and the medical team caring for him.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the American bishops were joining Catholics and people of goodwill in praying for the Pope’s recovery. He also asked people to pray for the surgeons and medical team responsible for the operation.
Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, similarly invited the faithful to remember the Pope and his doctors in their prayers during Sunday Mass.
In Malta, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, expressed solidarity on behalf of the local Church. He said the Church in Malta was united in prayer for the Holy Father ahead of his surgery.
In South America, Church leaders also conveyed their support. Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay, called for prayers for the Pope’s swift recovery as the country prepares for his scheduled Apostolic Journey in November.
The Uruguayan Bishops’ Conference confirmed that preparations for the visit remain unchanged. The conference expressed hope that the country would welcome the Pope as planned and share in the joy of his visit.
The Catholic bishops of Peru praised the Pope’s courage and humility in sharing news of his medical condition. They invited Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for his health, asking God to strengthen him and help him continue his mission.
In Argentina, the Bishops’ Conference encouraged the faithful to remain close to the Pope through prayer and affection. The bishops also invoked the care of the Virgin Mary and prayed that the operation would be successful and that the Pope would make a full and speedy recovery.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, assured Pope Leo of the prayers and support of the Italian Church. He expressed gratitude for the Pope’s openness in sharing his situation and emphasised that he was not alone during this time.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella also sent a message expressing his concern and support. He said the Pope could count not only on the prayers of Catholics but also on the goodwill and thoughts of countless people in Italy and around the world, including those who do not share the Catholic faith.
The announcement of the surgery has prompted messages of support from Church leaders and public figures across different countries. Their responses reflect a shared hope for the Pope’s successful operation and recovery as he prepares for his upcoming responsibilities.