In a candid briefing to reporters in Rome, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister, said Pope Leo XIV’s recent battle with lung cancer is “a bit of a game‑changer” for the Vatican and the young pontificate. While the pope’s operation on his right lung’s lower lobe was successful and doctors are optimistic, Gallagher emphasized that the illness underscores the pope’s mortality, a reminder that even the leader of the Catholic Church is a “poor mortal like the rest of us.”
Health Update and Upcoming Travel
Leo, 71, underwent surgery on October 13 after a tumor was identified as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Follow‑up tests show no further treatment is required, and the pope has begun resuming his daily duties. Despite the recent health scare, the Vatican confirmed that the scheduled November 6‑17 pilgrimage to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will proceed as planned. The itinerary, which includes a dozen flights and two helicopter rides covering roughly 19,000 miles, will be the longest journey of Leo’s pontificate.
Personal Motivation Behind the Latin America Trip
Gallagher explained that Leo’s desire to travel stems from his two‑decade missionary service in Peru, where he holds citizenship, and his deep affection for the people of his former diocese in Chiclayo. “All of the medical advice is very positive, from a clinical point of view, so he feels he can go,” the archbishop said.
Future U.S. Visit Tied to Election Timing
The Vatican’s senior diplomat also hinted that Leo may visit the United States in the “not‑too‑distant future,” though the timing could be affected by the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections. Historically, the Holy See avoids scheduling papal trips during intense national election campaigns to prevent political exploitation of the pope’s presence. A potential U.S. visit might align with the United Nations General Assembly in the fall or include a stop at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Additional International Plans
Gallagher noted that a trip to Australia in 2028 to close the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney is “highly likely,” and a visit to South Korea in August 2027 for World Youth Day is also on the horizon.
Insights into Pope Leo’s Leadership Style
Having served as foreign minister under Pope Francis, Gallagher offered a glimpse into Leo’s governing approach. He described the pontiff as thoughtful, methodical, and well‑versed in details – even capable of reading spreadsheets and asking incisive follow‑up questions. “When I brief him on foreign policy issues each Wednesday, he already knows nearly everything I’m about to say,” Gallagher said.
At the same time, Leo is described as tight‑lipped, preferring to keep his long‑term plans private. Gallagher admitted he only learned of the pope’s surgery when Leo announced it publicly on October 11 during his weekly Sunday blessing. “He’s not the sort of personality who shares a lot about what he’s thinking three or four years down the line,” Gallagher observed.
Vatican Bureaucracy Remains Under Pope’s Control
Addressing speculation that the Vatican’s Curia might undermine Leo’s agenda, Gallagher rejected the notion, stating, “I don’t think the Curia will eat him up. If there’s any indication of that, he will demonstrate that he too has an appetite.” He praised Leo’s serenity, focus on preaching the Gospel, and his willingness to address issues as they arise.
Overall, the archbishop’s comments suggest that Pope Leo XIV’s health challenge, while serious, has reinforced his humility and may shape his pastoral tone moving forward, even as he embarks on a demanding series of international trips that underscore the global mission of the Catholic Church.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
