Meloni offers Pope Leo XIV "personal closeness, and that of the Italian government" before surgery

Pope Leo XIV said during his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square that a lung lump discovered in recent medical checks had been detected early and was confined to one area, and that he would follow doctors' advice to have it removed in the next few days. The Vatican press office said the surgery is expected at Rome's Gemelli hospital, which has cared for popes since John Paul II, with recovery estimated at roughly a week. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said his composure during the Angelus service reassured her and expressed backing from herself and her government as he prepares for the operation.