The Family of Evangelism

Pope’s Absence Does Not Halt Vatican Operations, Says Cardinal Nemet Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Archbishop of Belgrade, stated that the absence of Pope Leo XIV due to his recovery from surgery does not halt the operations of the Catholic Church. According to Nemet, Vatican dicasteries continue their work, while decisions requiring papal approval are temporarily paused. He emphasized that the Church continues its mission even in the pope’s absence, with local bishops overseeing pastoral care and diocesan activities. Nemet noted that the pope’s communication style reflects greater openness, sharing his personal experience of illness with the faithful. This transparency, he said, fosters solidarity among those facing similar challenges. He added that the Church remains committed to supporting families, including those who are divorced or remarried, emphasizing that these individuals should not feel excluded from ecclesiastical life. Pope Undergoes Successful Lung Surgery Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent a thoracic surgery at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on October 13, 2026. The procedure, which lasted about 90 minutes, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. During the operation, intraoperative histological examination confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, which had been suspected based on preoperative tests. According to the Vatican press office, the surgery proceeded smoothly without complications. The 71-year-old pope, the first American pope in history, is recovering well and has begun physical therapy. He stood and had breakfast on the morning of October 15, and attended Mass in a specially prepared room on the hospital’s 10th floor. His hospitalization is expected to last around a week, with all official engagements postponed until October 20. International Meeting on Family Issues Concludes in Vatican An international meeting on family issues concluded in the Vatican on October 15, marking the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) by Pope Francis. The gathering brought together bishops, theologians, families, and representatives from Eastern Catholic Churches from around the world. Participants discussed the role of the family in society, the challenges faced by young couples, and the importance of pastoral care for families in crisis. Archbishop Andrej Saje of Slovenia, representing the Slovenian Bishops' Conference, highlighted the diversity of participants, noting the presence of representatives from various cultures and traditions within the Catholic Church. He emphasized the need for the Church to remain open and supportive of all families, regardless of their circumstances. Pope’s Message Emphasizes Family Role At the conclusion of the meeting, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the participants for their contributions and encouraged them to continue promoting the Gospel alongside families in their dioceses. In a homily delivered by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the pope reflected on the importance of love in marital relationships and the role of the family as the first school of love and faith. He called for renewed emphasis on family prayer and the value of the family in preserving societal values. The meeting ended with prayers for the pope’s swift and full recovery, as he continues his convalescence in the hospital. Global Solidarity and Continued Church Activities Despite the pope’s absence, Vatican officials confirmed that the Church’s administrative functions continue uninterrupted. Cardinal Nemet noted that while certain decisions require papal approval, the overall structure and mission of the Church remain unaffected. He also commented on the appointment of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as dean of the College of Cardinals, viewing it as a sign of renewal and rejuvenation in church leadership. As the Vatican continues to monitor the pope’s health, global attention remains focused on his recovery and the ongoing activities of the Church under his guidance.