Vatican Foreign Minister Calls Pope Leo's Cancer Diagnosis a 'Game-Changer'

Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis has changed how the Vatican views his young papacy, a top official said Tuesday.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See's foreign minister, addressed reporters at the Italian foreign press association. He said the church had been inclined to view Leo as a figure who could power through after his 2025 election, which followed the illness and death of Pope Francis. "The fact that he has fallen ill with, in many ways, one of the most common illnesses of our age means that he is a poor mortal like the rest of us. And I think that that is going to change how we see him and possibly how he sees himself as well," Gallagher said. He added, "Even if the operation has gone well, and everybody (says) there are grounds for considerable optimism, I think it is a bit of a game-changer at the same time."

The pope's health has improved since doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung on Oct. 13. A tumor removed during the procedure was later identified as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The Vatican reported that subsequent tests showed no need for further treatment. Leo, 71, has gradually returned to his daily activities.

The Vatican confirmed this week that Leo will travel Nov. 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The schedule includes 12 flights and two helicopter rides covering 19,000 miles, the longest journey of his pontificate. Gallagher said the pope chose not to delay the trip. "All of the medical advice is very positive, from a clinical point of view, so he feels he can go," he said. Leo served two decades as a missionary priest in Peru, holds citizenship there, and has a former diocese in Chiclayo.

Gallagher also discussed other travel. He said Leo would likely visit the United States in the "not-too-distant future," though timing depends on next month's midterm elections. The Vatican generally avoids presidential campaign periods to keep trips out of political use. Preliminary talks about a U.S. visit have included scheduling it with the U.N. General Assembly in the fall or alongside a stop in Mexico. No firm plans are set. Gallagher said he expects Leo to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. He also said a 2028 trip to Australia to close the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney is "highly likely." A South Korea trip is scheduled for August 2027 for World Youth Day.

Working with the pope, Gallagher described him as pensive and "not impetuous." He said Leo reviews spreadsheets closely and prepares thoroughly for their Wednesday evening meetings on foreign policy. "Nearly everything I say he knows already," Gallagher said. He also said he did not know about the surgery until Leo announced it at his Sunday blessing on Oct. 11. Gallagher said he remains uncertain about the pope's long-term thinking. "I think he'll stick to his plan. And he will stick to revealing his plan, because he's not the sort of personality who shares a lot in what he's thinking of doing in three or four years' time," he said.