The Vatican revealed that Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis marks a turning point in his papacy, making the public view him as a more ordinary human being, even as he recovers well and prepares to visit Latin America as planned.
On 28 October 2026, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher of the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis represents a “major turning point” for the Vatican and the newly begun papacy, despite the Pope's good recovery after surgery and his scheduled visit to Latin America next month.
Archbishop Gallagher said that after the death of Pope Francis and the election of the new Pope, people might have seen Pope Leo XIV as a “superhuman” or a “supernatural Pope,” but his illness with a common disease of our era shows he is an ordinary human like anyone else. This may change both the public’s perception of him and how he views himself.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 71, underwent surgery on 13 October to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors found a tumor. Tests confirmed it was adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Post-surgery results indicate no additional treatment is necessary. He is gradually resuming his duties as usual. The Vatican confirmed this week that his visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from 6-17 November will proceed as originally planned without changes.
Source: AP