Pope Leo XIV's Cancer Diagnosis Called 'Game-Changer' by Vatican Official

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister, said that Pope Leo XIV’s diagnosis with lung cancer, following his election in 2025, represents a “game-changer” for the Vatican and the pontiff’s papacy. Gallagher noted that the diagnosis, a common illness, serves to remind people that Leo is a mortal like any other, potentially shifting how he is viewed by others and himself.

Leo, 71, underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a tumor, identified as adenocarcinoma, was discovered. Subsequent tests have indicated no further treatment is necessary, and the Pope has been gradually resuming his duties. Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican has confirmed that Leo will proceed with his planned Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which involves extensive travel.

Gallagher explained that the Pope felt capable of undertaking the demanding itinerary, partly due to his past experiences as a missionary priest in Peru. "All of the medical advice is very positive, from a clinical point of view, so he feels he can go," Gallagher stated.

Looking ahead, Gallagher predicted that Leo, who was born in Chicago, would visit the United States in the future. He suggested that the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections might influence the timing of such a trip, potentially delaying it to 2027 or later. The Vatican typically aims to avoid papal visits during active national election campaigns to prevent the governing powers from leveraging the Pope's presence for political advantage.

Discussions about a potential U.S. visit have included coordinating it with the U.N. General Assembly or a possible stop in Mexico, although no concrete plans have been finalized. Gallagher also mentioned Leo’s expressed desire to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Further international travel is anticipated, with possible trips to Australia in 2028 for the International Eucharistic Congress and to South Korea in August 2027 for World Youth Day.

Reflecting on Leo's leadership style, Gallagher contrasted him with his predecessor, Pope Francis. He described Leo as pensive, well-informed, and deliberate, unlike Francis's more spontaneous approach. Gallagher noted Leo's analytical capabilities, stemming from his background as a mathematics major, and his tendency to keep his plans private until their announcement. Gallagher dismissed speculation that the Vatican bureaucracy would undermine Leo’s agenda, humorously remarking that the Pope possesses his own assertiveness.