Shape of Pope Leo's papacy more uncertain after cancer diagnosis

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POPE LEO. Pope Leo XIV delivers his 'Urbi et Orbi' (To the city and the world) message from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican, April 5, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV, diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, faces uncertainty regarding his health and papal duties. His planned trip to South America, a high priority for him, may be postponed depending on his recovery. The Vatican has been unusually transparent about Leo's health, with experts suggesting a potentially positive prognosis if the cancer is early-stage. This is AI-generated.

VATICAN – When US Cardinal Robert Prevost emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in May 2025 as Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Catholic Church, he struck a stark contrast from his predecessor Francis.