Pope Leo XIV, the leader of Catholics worldwide, is currently at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung on Tuesday. Following the surgery, he is in the process of recovery and is expected to remain in the hospital for at least a few more days.
Progress in the Post-Operative Period
The Pope's doctors announced in a note released on Thursday that chest imaging shows appropriate recovery of the operated lung. They added, "The post-operative period is proceeding as expected." Currently, the Pope has had no visitors except for a few companions and has been able to engage in some work at the hospital.
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Impact of Illness on Papacy
Experts say the sudden diagnosis of the Pope's illness will significantly change his papacy. Giovana Galazzi, a Vatican observer, wrote in the newspaper La Stampa: "The illness acts as a crossroads in the papacy - it either accelerates its pace or diminishes its power." Given the new circumstances, it is expected that Pope Leo will have fewer public engagements, and his travel plans are also uncertain, including a scheduled trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.
Pope Leo, elected as the youngest pope at the age of 69, is known as the "sporting pope" and has had significant activities in traveling to various countries. However, his illness will mean that his health will be continuously monitored.
Pope Leo has canceled all his meetings until October 20, and his future travel plans will be seriously affected. Experts believe he will soon return to his duties, but he will also emphasize caution and attention to his limitations.
Pope Leo, recognized as the first American pope, is currently shaping his leadership style in the Catholic Church and has spoken openly on global issues, including international tensions and artificial intelligence. Given the new circumstances, it is expected that he will focus more on internal church matters and improving diplomatic relations.
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