
Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery to remove a lump from his lung in the coming days.
The 71-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church announced that doctors discovered the tumor during recent medical examinations, explaining that it is at a very early stage.
The announcement was made during the traditional Sunday prayer service at the Vatican, in the presence of the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Pope Leo thanked the faithful for their support and asked them to pray for his health, ahead of the operation.
"I want to express to Pope Leo my personal closeness, as well as that of the entire Italian government, for the ordeal he will face in the coming days," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a written statement.
"The calmness with which the Pope referred to this ordeal today, after the Angelus prayer, makes us optimistic. I am sure that the love and support of the Italian people will also not be lacking", - Meloni concluded. ©LAPSI.al