The health of Pope Leo XIV has become global news after medical tests following surgery to remove a lung nodule confirmed a cancer diagnosis. The announcement has caused concern within the Catholic community and has prompted messages of support from international leaders, including King Charles III of the United Kingdom.
What few knew until now is that this disease is not foreign to the Pontiff's closest family circle. His older brother, Louis Prevost, has also been going through a personal battle against cancer for some time, a detail that takes on special relevance amid the attention focused on the Pope's health.
The history of cancer in the Prevost family
Pope Leo XIV's mother, Mildred Agnes Martínez, passed away in 1990 due to this disease. Three decades later, it is his brother Louis who is facing a similar diagnosis, as revealed by his wife, Deborah Prevost, in statements to CBS News.
According to Deborah's testimony, the cancer Louis is suffering from is complex in nature and has required prolonged and highly specialized treatments. The Pope's sister-in-law did not specify what stage the disease is currently in, although she did confirm that Louis is participating in a clinical trial at a local hospital, where he is receiving continuous medical care.
A struggle marked by ups and downs
As Deborah Prevost recounted, her husband's process has been marked by stages of hope followed by relapses, a common pattern in long-term oncological treatments. Despite the difficulties, she highlighted the strength with which Louis has faced each stage of the disease.
Louis's wife described him as an example of courage for the whole family, stressing that he has maintained a firm attitude even in the most difficult moments of living with such an aggressive disease.
Pope Leo XIV’s diagnosis
The Pope's case became known after he underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule. Subsequent analyses confirmed the presence of cancer, which sparked a wave of reactions inside and outside the Catholic Church.
The news comes at a time when the Pontiff's health is being closely followed by millions of faithful around the world, and it coincides with the public revelation regarding his brother's medical situation, which has brought the history of cancer within the Prevost family into the spotlight.
Frequently asked questions
What type of cancer does Pope Leo XIV have?
The diagnosis was confirmed after surgery to remove a lung nodule, although the available material does not detail the specific type of cancer.
Who is Louis Prevost?
Louis Prevost is the older brother of Pope Leo XIV. According to his wife, Deborah Prevost, he has been facing a complex cancer for some time and is receiving treatment through a clinical trial at a local hospital.
How did Pope Leo XIV’s mother die?
Mildred Agnes Martínez, the Pontiff's mother, passed away in 1990 due to cancer.
What did the Pope’s sister-in-law say about Louis’s illness?
Deborah Prevost told CBS News that her husband has experienced moments of hope and relapses, but that he has shown admirable strength throughout the process.
Who has expressed support for the Pope after his diagnosis was made known?
Among the international figures who have expressed their solidarity is King Charles III of the United Kingdom.
