Pope Leo XIV called for safe transportation of grain in the Black Sea

Vatican President Pope Leo XIV, who performed the traditional Sunday prayer from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter's Square, made statements after the prayer.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine War, Pope Leo XIV said, "The war in devastated Ukraine continues to cause suffering even far beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries where many people live dependent on grain imports. I sincerely appeal to the parties to the conflict to allow the safe transportation of grain in the Black Sea. The daily bread of millions of people cannot be hostage to war." he said.

Pope will undergo surgery on his lung

Pope Leo XIV made a surprise statement in the last part of his speech and announced that he would undergo surgery.

Stating that his doctors found a mass (nodule) in his lung at the initial stage, Papa said:

"The doctors believe that intervention is appropriate and therefore, on their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove the nodule. The surgery is scheduled to be performed in the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers."

According to information obtained from Vatican sources, the Pope's surgery is planned to be performed in the new week starting tomorrow and the recovery period is expected to be approximately one week.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a written statement, expressed support, solidarity and wishes for a speedy recovery to the Pope on behalf of his government and the Italian people.