Archbishop Paul Gallagher said Pope Leo's lung cancer surgery had changed perceptions of his health and papacy. He called the diagnosis a gamechanger as the pontiff resumed duties and prepared for a South America tour.Pope Leo waves as he arrives to hold an audience with participants at a meeting held as part of the Jesus Youth International Conference 2026. ( Photo- Reuters)Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis and surgery have changed how Catholics view his health and papacy, the Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said on Tuesday, describing the development as a "gamechanger".Speaking to journalists at an event in Rome, Gallagher said some Catholics had viewed the 71-year-old pope as a "Superman" because of his relatively young age and physical fitness.

However, his illness had reminded people that he was "a poor mortal like the rest of us"."I think that is going to change how we see him and possibly how he sees himself as well," Gallagher said. The British archbishop has served as the Vatican's foreign minister since 2014.Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

His doctors have said the cancer was localised and had not spread, adding that he would not require further treatment. The pope has gradually resumed his schedule since returning to the Vatican on October 18.

He has appeared energetic at public events, speaking in a firm and clear voice.POPE TO VISIT SOUTH AMERICA IN NOVEMBERThe Vatican on Monday confirmed that Leo would proceed with a three-country tour of South America from November 6 to 17. The visit is among the most intensive foreign tours planned for a pope in decades.

Responding to questions about the decision to travel just 24 days after surgery, Gallagher said the medical advice had been positive and the pope felt fit enough to go."All of the medical advice is very positive ... so he feels he can go," he said, adding that Leo wanted to make the trip, which had been in the planning for some time.VATICAN NOT INVOLVED IN UKRAINE CEASEFIREGallagher also addressed a recent ceasefire agreed by Russia and Ukraine to allow aid into Oleshky, a Ukrainian town under Russian control. He said that although Leo had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he did not believe the Vatican had helped arrange the ceasefire."I don't think we were," Gallagher said.The archbishop also discussed the Vatican's agreement with China on the appointment of Catholic bishops, acknowledging shortcomings in the arrangement.First signed in 2018, the agreement gives Chinese officials a role in the process of appointing Catholic bishops in the country."It's not easy, the dialogue is not easy.

The imperfections of the agreement are evident, but there is a commitment to persevere in dialogue ... and that is what will continue to happen," Gallagher said.POPE LEO MAY VISIT US IN NEAR FUTUREGallagher also said he expected Leo, the first US-born pope, to visit the United States "in the not too distant future". However, he cautioned that the visit might not take place in 2027, depending on the pope's commitments.- Ends