The government of President José Antonio Kast wished Pope León XIV a speedy and full recovery on Tuesday. The Vatican had confirmed that same day that the pontiff has lung cancer and had undergone successful surgery in Rome.
According to BioBioChile, the government released an official statement that La Tercera attributes to the Foreign Ministry. In the text, the government highlighted the diplomatic and religious ties between Chile and the Holy See, the name of the sovereign entity headed by the Pope.
"Chile and the Holy See share a long and deep relationship, forged at decisive moments in our history," La Moneda said. The statement does not specify which episodes it refers to.
The government added that the country "stands with the Supreme Pontiff with particular affection at this time, and with all the faithful who profess the Catholic religion." It closed with a wish that the Pope "may soon fully resume his ministry."
According to the Holy See, León XIV, 71, underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of malignant tumor. The surgery lasted about 90 minutes.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique, which is less invasive than open surgery. The Vatican reported that the procedure ended without complications and that the Pope woke up normally. He remains hospitalized to continue his recovery and undergo assessments.
The Papal Household had already suspended the Pope’s schedule until October 20. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside in his place at Wednesday’s Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
The diagnosis comes at a key moment for the region. León XIV has a tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for November 6 to 17. Chile is not on the itinerary.
So far, the Vatican has announced no changes to that trip. His progress over the coming days will determine whether the pontiff’s first visit to South America goes ahead on the planned dates.
