Archbishop Gallagher says Pope Leo XIV's cancer diagnosis is a 'game-changer'

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher said Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV's cancer diagnosis is a significant shift for the Vatican and the papacy. Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Press Association in Rome, the Holy See's foreign minister noted that the illness may change how the public and the pope view his role, reminding observers of the pope's mortality.

Pope Leo, 71, underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a tumor diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. While the surgery was successful and subsequent tests indicate no further treatment is necessary, the pope has been slowly resuming daily activities.

The Vatican confirmed this week that the pope will proceed with a scheduled trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17.