Monrovia-The Vatican has reported that Pope Leo‘s surgery on Tuesday to remove a small growth on one of his lungs went successfully and as planned. The surgery was done about seven hours after the pontiff was hospitalised for the first major health issue of his 17-month tenure.
Leo, 71, was treated at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for the removal of the small nodule, which the pontiff said on Sunday had been spotted early during a recent check-up.
“The procedure was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned,” said a brief Vatican statement issued late on Tuesday that did not offer further details.
The Vatican said earlier that the procedure was led by the Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora. Leo left the Vatican ahead of the surgery in Rome and was seen waving from the back of a black SUV as his convoy drove about 9 km (5.6 miles) north of the Vatican to the Gemelli.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Leo shook hands with several officials, walked in front of a waiting crowd of well-wishers, some of whom shouted ‘Auguri’ (best wishes), and headed in via the main entrance.
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“The surgery was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room. Further information will follow.”
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