The Pope’s announcement: ‘I have a lump on my lung; I’m having an operation’
The announcement was made during the Angelus. The operation will take place in the coming days, followed by a week’s stay in hospital
He made the announcement himself during the Angelus in St Peter’s Square: ‘The doctors have found a lump in my lung which is at an early stage and well localised. The doctors believe it is advisable to take action, so, following their advice, I have decided to have an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days.”
Surgery at Gemelli
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni then provided further details: “The operation is scheduled for the beginning of next week and the expected length of his post-operative hospital stay is around a week.” The Pope is expected to undergo surgery at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome. He may be admitted on Tuesday. Apart from his immediate engagements next week, his schedule remains unchanged.
Trip to Peru confirmed
The apostolic journey scheduled for 6 to 17 November is also said to have been confirmed. Leone, who turned 61 on 14 September, addressed the Peruvians in St Peter’s Square as they processed in honour of the ‘Señor de los milagros’, saying: ‘Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I am to make to Peru.’
Meloni: My support and that of the government for the Pope
Messages of support have been sent to the Pope by members of the Government and the political sphere. “I wish to express to the Holy Father my personal support and that of the Italian Government as he faces the ordeal he is called upon to endure in the coming days. The serenity and calm with which he spoke of it during today’s Angelus are a source of comfort to us. I am certain that the Italian people, too, will not fail to offer their support and affection.” So said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“Matteo Salvini and the entire Lega family are rallying affectionately around the Holy Father, standing by him as he faces this ordeal. We send him our most sincere wishes for a speedy recovery, keeping him in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days,” reads the message from the party of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
