Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu may need further cancer treatment, a statement issued on his behalf said on Tuesday.
”A routine blood test in the late 1980s revealed an elevated PSA (prostate test). I was investigated thoroughly, but it was not until 1997 that a prostate cancer was found,” the cleric said in the statement.
”I received curative treatment with success and my PSA test remained normal until just recently when it began to rise again. This may indicate a recurrence of my cancer.
”I am fit and healthy at present and my doctors will monitor my condition closely. They may need to introduce further treatment in the future.
”I will keep the public informed of developments relating to my health. In the meantime, I ask my friends in the media to allow me the space to carry on with my ministry.”
Tutu has led an active life since retiring as head of the church in Southern Africa in 1996.
He first headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission until 2003, and then taught in the United States.
The 73-year-old has lately been involved in the fight against HIV/Aids and has called for more political dialogue in South Africa.
On Tuesday, he said fighting HIV/Aids and poverty and promoting condom use should be on any new Catholic pope’s agenda.
He is also hoping the new pontiff will be black.
There have been, so far, three African popes. St Victor reigned from 189-199 as the 14th pope, St Miltiades (311-314) was the 32nd pope and St Gelasius I (492-496) was the 49th pope. — Sapa