Pope Leo is recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff is now awaiting further test results to determine whether the cancer has spread, raising questions about his health and the future of his papacy. The Vatican says the operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital was completed without complications. But the diagnosis comes at a critical time for the Catholic Church, as Pope Leo faces major decisions over reforms inherited from his predecessor, Pope Francis.
So what happens if the pope needs months of treatment or recovery?
DW speaks to Justin McLellan, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.
Chapters:
00:00 Pope Leo awaits test results after cancer surgery
00:45 Interview Justin McLellan
01:10 Impact of Leo’s cancer diagnosis on expectations for his papacy
02:36 A new era of Vatican transparency on papal health?
03:55 Who could temporarily stand in for Pope Leo?
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