Pope's cancer diagnosis leaves Catholics questioning what comes next

Vatican transparency about papal health has come a long way from the secrecy of the past.

But that does not mean Catholics were prepared for such seismic news about cancer and removal of a large section of Pope Leo XIV's lung - even after he announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a nodule.

On Tuesday, the 71-year-old was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following 90-minute surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung.

Part of the shock has, of course, been because there had been few signs until now that concern was needed about any imminent risks to the Pope's health.

An Augustinian, he is known to place great importance in good habits, including when it comes to health and fitness, such as weekly games of tennis.

Now, with so many unknowns about the pontiff's prognosis and what treatment he might need, questions swirl around what may have to change in his routine, and for how long.

Certainly, given the dangers surrounding air travel soon after lung surgery, and the high altitude of some of the stops involved, a November trip to South America – including to Peru, the country Pope Leo called home for more than 20 years – may be in doubt.

His predecessor, Francis, once wrote that he had started his papacy thinking he might only have a few years in the role, having already suffered health complications throughout his life.

As such, it was clear that he was intent on making waves quickly and implementing what some saw as fairly radical change in the Church at a swift pace.

While Pope Leo's papacy has undoubtedly started in what appears to be a comparatively measured way, he has still grown quickly into being a powerful, uncompromising and compassionate moral voice on the world stage.

His messaging in opposition to war, in support of the dignity of migrants and on the dangers of AI in particular has stood out in its clarity.

To some extent, he has already done what many Catholics had feared was barely possible, in starting to bring closer together different factions of a Church that had seemed somewhat divided.

Noticeably, both progressive and traditionalist followers often talking of him as a voice that reflects their own.

But even after successful surgery, and with no details yet about what happens now, speculation has already begun as to whether a cancer diagnosis will mean an evident shift in Pope Leo's pace in implementing changes he sees as necessary.

On the other hand any dramatic moves, such as on doctrine, would certainly feel out of character for a Pope who for nearly a year and a half has shown himself to be measured, thoughtful and discerning, as well as having a focus on stability.