Pope Leo calls for universal healthcare weeks after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV, just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, delivered a powerful plea for universal healthcare during his visit to Uruguay. Speaking to the nation's leaders, the 71-year-old pontiff drew from his own recent experience of illness and hospitalization to underscore the importance of accessible medical care for all.

"Recently I experienced firsthand the limitations imposed by illness and I received care for which I am grateful," he said, reflecting on his four-day stay at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following the removal of a cancerous tumor from his right lung. Pope Leo XIV concluded his remarks by emphasizing that ensuring healthcare accessibility to everyone, regardless of their financial resources, is a universal duty that each society must embrace.