Vatican minister calls cancer diagnosis a shift

The diagnosis of lung cancer in Pope Leo XIV represents a fundamental shift in the perception of his papacy, according to the Holy See's foreign minister.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher told reporters at the Italian foreign press association on Tuesday that the illness is a "game-changer" for the Vatican. He noted that there was a previous temptation to view the newly elected pope as a "Superman, a Superpope" following his selection in 2025. Gallagher argued that Leo's battle with a common disease reminds the faithful that he is a "poor mortal like the rest of us," a reality that may alter how he sees himself as well.

Leo, 71, underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors identified a tumor as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Subsequent tests indicated that no further treatment is necessary, and the pope is slowly resuming his daily activities. Despite the recent procedure, the Vatican confirmed this week that Leo will proceed with his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17. The itinerary involves a dozen flights and two helicopter rides covering 19,000 miles, making it the longest journey of his pontificate.

Gallagher explained that the pope did not postpone the travel schedule because he wanted to go. Leo spent two decades as a missionary priest in Peru, where he holds citizenship, and has expressed a close attachment to his former diocese of Chiclayo. "All of the medical advice is very positive, from a clinical point of view, so he feels he can go," Gallagher said.

The foreign minister also predicted that Leo will visit his native United States in the "not-too-distant future." However, the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections next month could determine whether the trip occurs in 2027 or later. The Vatican typically avoids papal visits during national election campaigns to prevent the governing powers from using the pope for political benefit. Preliminary discussions have considered timing the visit to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly or a stop in Mexico. Gallagher noted that Leo is keen to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, a major pilgrimage destination.

Other major trips are expected, including a visit to South Korea in August 2027 for World Youth Day. Gallagher stated it is "highly likely" that Leo will travel to Australia in 2028 to close out the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney.

Gallagher described Leo as pensive and not impetuous, noting that the pope is extremely well-informed and often already knows the details of foreign policy briefings. The pope is also tight-lipped, holding his cards close. Gallagher revealed that he did not know about the planned surgery until Leo announced it to the world on Oct. 11. He rejected the idea that the Vatican bureaucracy would thwart the pope's agenda, saying, "I don't think the Curia will eat him up. I think if there's any indication of that, he will demonstrate that he too has an appetite."