Pope Leo to Undergo Lung Surgery After Early-Stage Growth Detected

Pope Leo announced on Sunday that doctors had found a small, well‑contained growth on his lung during a routine check‑up. The 71‑year‑old pontiff said the nodule was detected early and, following medical advice, he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove it. The Vatican press office expects a week’s recovery, and no further details have been released. Leo, who has no prior health problems, will resume his busy schedule, including an 11‑day pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6‑17. The surgery marks the first health scare of his papacy.