Pope Leo Seen In First Photos Since Surgery And Cancer Diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV is showing “steady improvement” following his recent surgery and lung cancer diagnosis earlier this week, and he even celebrated Mass in the hospital on Friday. 

The 71-year-old pontiff “underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray this morning, which confirmed the steady improvement in his overall condition,” the Vatican said in a statement prepared by the popeʼs personal physician, Luigi Carbone. The surgeon who operated, Stefano Margaritora, added that he will continue with respiratory physiotherapy sessions and that his recovery allows him “to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently.”

New photos released by the Holy See Press Office showed the pontiff performing Mass during which he personally distributed Holy Communion in a makeshift chapel room on the 10th floor at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Members of the hospital’s medical and nursing staff were also in attendance, along with members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps, according to the Vatican.

Credit: Vatican Media

“In his homily, the pope thanked all healthcare personnel — doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants — for the work they carry out every day caring for the sick and for those in fragile conditions, and in particular for everything they have done and continue to do for him,” the Holy See Press Office said.

The pope was diagnosed with lung cancer on Tuesday following an operation to remove a “localized” nodule, in which surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung. Examinations after the procedure confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer, which was the suspected result from tests conducted beforehand. The Vatican has not shared whether the pope will need any further treatment, or if the cancer has spread.

All audiences until October 20 remain canceled, and he is expected to stay in the hospital to recover for one week.

The pope is scheduled to make his first public appearance since the operation on Sunday to pray the Angelus, according to the Vatican. It is unclear whether it will be from the hospital or the Vatican.