Katholische Kirche: Papst „erfolgreich“ an der Lunge operiert

Pope Leo XIV underwent a lung operation and survived successfully, according to official Vatican statements. The intervention, aimed at removing a knot, was deemed successful, a spokesman announced in the evening. The 71-year-old was able to return to his room at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where several of his predecessors had also been treated.

The nature of the knot remained unclear. Pope Leo, who heads a global flock of 1.4 billion Catholics, stays at the Gemelli clinic, which has a dedicated wing for papal care. He is expected to take about a week to recover. The Pope announced unexpectedly on Sunday that a knot had been discovered in his lung in a very early stage during a routine check-up.

Guided by doctors, he opted for surgery. The procedure took place just two days later, with no prior health issues for the first American at the helm of the Catholic Church. Leo maintains his health through tennis, swimming, and regular exercise. At 71, he remains relatively young for a Pope. His election in May of the previous year suggested he might have a long pontificate, possibly lasting several decades.

The cause of the knot could be various, including past infections or inflammation, benign growths, lung cancer, or metastases from another tumor. Confirmation of whether the knot is benign or malignant often requires a tissue sample. Although many discovered knots are not cancerous, the risks of surgery depend on the size of the procedure and the lung and heart function.

The Gemelli Hospital, also known as Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, is the clinic for popes. It is located on the outskirts of Italy's capital, and several popes, including Leo's predecessor Pope Francis, have been treated there. The Pope appeared in a black car with a police escort for the operation. He was greeted by a medical team and many curious onlookers outside the hospital, and received many welcomes inside.

He winked and smiled confidently. Many prayed for him. All appointments have been canceled until mid-next week due to his hospital stay, including his participation in the conclusion of a bishop's meeting on the square. In November, the Pope has a nearly two-week trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. In Peru, the former head of the Augustinian order spent many years as a missionary and bishop and also holds Peruvian citizenship.

The trip includes a visit to Cusco at an altitude of 3,400 meters, which can cause breathing problems and altitude sickness for some. The Vaticans' openness about the health of popes, once a closely guarded secret, was evident when Leo announced the surgery to millions of believers on the square.