Pope Leo To Enter Hospital Tuesday

Pope Leo XIV will be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital Tuesday before surgery to remove a localized lung nodule found early. The Vatican said the nodule was detected during routine medical tests, not after a specific health problem. Lung nodules can be benign or cancerous, and experts say early removal can leave an excellent outlook if cancer is found. Leo, 71, is otherwise considered healthy and active, making this the first major health event of his papacy. He told worshippers at Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square that doctors advised surgery and he accepted. The Vatican expects about a week of recovery. He is expected to miss a Wednesday Mass, and his November South America trip remains uncertain.