Pope Leo’s lung cancer diagnosis raises questions over Vatican plans
What’s next: The Vatican expects about a week of recovery after surgery, and Leo was still expected to lead Sunday prayers.
Pope Leo XIV’s recent surgery and subsequent lung cancer diagnosis have forced Vatican officials to reassess assumptions about his health and schedule. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, told the BBC the setback could be a “game changer” after Leo had appeared robust and active. The 71-year-old underwent surgery Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors found a nodule that was later confirmed as adenocarcinoma. The Vatican said the operation was successful and that Leo has shown steady improvement, with no complications reported. No discharge date was given, but his recovery was expected to take about a week.