Amidst chips and incense, Taiwan’s few Catholics are free to practise their faith. The contradictions of a people who are embracing modernity yet still flock to the temple. The crisis in passing on the faith, successes in the field of research, and the spectre of Beijing

It is clear – because that is the way of the world, and indeed of the Church – that the usual questions – with the Pope in poor health – will begin to be asked. Not only amongst the media and observers of Vatican affairs, but also amongst the cardinals themselves. Will his schedule change? Will he review his commitments? And what about his travels?

At 7.48 pm, the news was released to journalists: the procedure had been successfully completed “on schedule and as planned”. Leo XIV had been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital at lunchtime, waving to the crowd. On the German Church’s website: “This is the fragility of the Papacy”

Later this morning, Leone XIV will be admitted to the Policlinico Gemelli. All court hearings have been cancelled until 20 October.

“It was detected at a very early stage and was well localised. The doctors felt it was advisable to intervene and, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed,” announced Leo XIV during the Angelus

The first session of the Synodal Conference, which had already been scheduled for November, will not take place. It has been postponed until a date to be confirmed, amid grumbling from the local laity. The reason? The expected go-ahead has not yet arrived from the Vatican.