Pope: “I will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule within a few days… detected early.”

(Istanbul = Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Dong-ho = Pope Leo

While presiding over the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on this day, the Pope told the faithful, "During a recent health checkup, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung."

The Pope explained that the nodule was in its early stages and the location of the lesion was clear, adding, "I decided to undergo surgery, which is scheduled for within a few days."

“The surgery was scheduled for early this week, and the recovery period is expected to take about a week after the surgery,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said at a briefing.

The surgery will be performed at Agostino Gemelli General Hospital in Rome, Italy.

The Pope, who is 71 years old this year, is considered to have become Pope at a relatively younger age than his predecessors. It is known that he enjoys sports such as tennis and has no special medical history.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement saying, "On behalf of the Italian government as well as personally, I convey our deep solidarity and condolences to His Holiness the Pope regarding the ordeal he will face in the coming days."

Prime Minister Meloni said, "The Pope's calm and calm appearance during today's Angelus prayer was a great comfort to us," and added, "I am confident that the Italian people will also provide unwavering support and affection."