Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister, stated on Tuesday that the recent lung cancer diagnosis of Pope Leo XIV represents a significant shift for the Vatican and the leader's own papacy. While the pontiff is reportedly recovering well from surgery and maintains his commitment to international travel, the diagnosis has challenged the perception of the Pope as an invincible figure.
Speaking to reporters at the Italian foreign press association, Gallagher noted that following the extended illness and eventual death of Pope Francis, there was an inclination to view the Chicago-born Leo, elected in 2025, as a "Superpope" who hit the ground running.
The Archbishop remarked that the diagnosis of one of the modern era’s most common illnesses serves as a sobering reminder of the Pope's mortality. According to Gallagher, this reality will fundamentally alter how the world perceives the leader and, potentially, how Leo views himself.
Pope Leo, 71, underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a tumor was identified as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Despite the gravity of the procedure, subsequent medical evaluations have indicated that no further treatment is required, and the Pope has been slowly resuming his daily activities.
The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope will proceed with his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6-17, without any changes to the program. The itinerary is particularly demanding, spanning 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) and including twelve flights and two helicopter rides, making it the longest of Leo’s pontificate.
Gallagher emphasized that the Pope is personally determined to make the journey, citing his deep connection to Peru, where he served as a missionary priest for two decades and holds citizenship. He noted that all medical advice is very positive from a clinical point of view, allowing the Pope to feel confident in his ability to travel.
Regarding the prospect of a future visit to the United States, Gallagher suggested it is likely in the not-too-distant future, though he noted that the outcome of next month’s midterm elections might influence whether the trip occurs in 2027 or later. The Vatican generally avoids papal trips during national election campaigns to prevent political exploitation. Preliminary discussions have considered timing a U.S.
visit to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly in the fall or alongside a potential stop in Mexico, though Gallagher stressed that no firm plans are in place. Additionally, he indicated it is highly likely that Leo will travel to Australia in 2028 to close the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney, with other major trips expected, including a visit to South Korea in August 2027 for World Youth Day.
Gallagher, who also served as foreign minister under Pope Francis, provided insights into the leadership style of the new pontiff, describing him as pensive, well-informed, and not impetuous. Unlike the more spontaneous nature of his predecessor, Pope Leo is characterized as someone who carefully studies spreadsheets and policy documents. Gallagher noted that in their weekly Wednesday evening briefings, the Pope is frequently already familiar with the foreign policy matters being presented.
However, the Pope remains notably private and holds his cards close. Gallagher admitted that he was unaware of the planned surgery until it was announced publicly by the Pope himself on Oct. 11, and he noted that he still does not fully know what the Pope is planning for the future. He expressed confidence that the Pope will stick to his plans, as he is not the type of personality to share his long-term intentions.
Dismissing concerns that the Vatican bureaucracy might overwhelm the new pontiff, Gallagher expressed confidence in Leo’s ability to manage the Curia. He described the Pope as having a serene focus on the Gospel and a pragmatic approach to governance. "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," Gallagher said to laughter from the press.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.