Say You’re Doing the Pope’s PR, How Would You Treat His Cancer?
If you were the papal publicist, would you simply provide the media with all the latest medical reports on his condition, or would you see this also as an opportunity to generate deeper faith in God by encouraging prayer as a powerful source of comfort and hope for Pope Leo XIV and his flock of believers?
I’m sure the Pope would urge you to especially do the latter, as it would be not just a source of strength for himself but also a way of invigorating Catholic faith worldwide.
As the papal publicist, of course, you must report all the latest medical findings but also focus hopefully on the doctors’ encouraging reports following surgery to remove the cancerous portion of his lung. The Vatican has reported that the surgery was successful and that his recovery is progressing well. Yes, I would urge that you amplify the healing part of the story.
PR also should focus on updates about Pope Leo’s recovery and when he might be returning to his full schedule so he can continue working for the Almighty and all souls awaiting ascension to heaven.
Of course, this would be seen as a blessing, a hopeful sign to the nearly billion and a half Catholics worldwide that God wants the first American Pope, today’s George Washington of Catholicism, to succeed.
Pope Leo is the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. And for America’s Catholics, this is especially meaningful, as the U.S. is home to a substantial Catholic community, part of what many believe is one of the holiest spiritual communities on earth.
Pope Leo once lived in Chicago, and his election as the first American pope has been a source of pride for many American Catholics.
While Pope Leo’s family has had health issues—including his mother Mildred, who succumbed to cancer in 1990, and his older brother Louis, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017 and is currently undergoing treatment--Pope Leo, at 71 years old, has remained physically active, regularly playing tennis and swimming.
He has also been a true fighter for what is right, staying healthy and vigorous while serving the greatest cause of all: serving our Lord and all those who believe in Him.
Let us all pray that upcoming reports bring continued encouraging news about his recovery.
Editor’s Note: Pope Leo’s current health battle has attracted global attention and brought back a personal memory for the article’s author, publicist Tom Madden. As a young lifeguard in Atlantic City, N.J., Madden experienced his own serious health crisis. One hot summer day after work, he dove from his lifeboat and struck his head on a sandbar that had unexpectedly formed on the ocean floor, breaking his neck. It took him many months to recover, an experience that left him with a lasting appreciation for those who face serious health challenges. He shares that experience as he joins others in hoping and praying for Pope Leo’s recovery.
