Key facts
- Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis and surgery has affected how Catholics view his health and papacy, according to Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
- Gallagher described the situation as a "game changer."
- Pope Leo, 71, had part of one lung removed in surgery on October 13.
- Doctors have said the cancer was localized and had not spread, and the pope will not require further treatment.
Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher said on Tuesday that Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis and surgery has affected how Catholics view his health and papacy. Gallagher described the situation as a "game changer," noting that some Catholics had viewed Leo, 71, as a "Superman" pope due to his age and fitness. The illness revealed that Leo "is a poor mortal like the rest of us," Gallagher said, adding that this will likely change how Catholics and the pope himself perceive his papacy. Pope Leo had part of one lung removed in surgery on October 13, and doctors have stated the cancer was localized and has not spread, requiring no further treatment.