Pope Leo Recovers After Lung Cancer Surgery

The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since surgery to remove part of his right lung. The images show the 71-year-old American-born pontiff celebrating Mass at a makeshift chapel in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is recovering. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo presided over the liturgy alone, gave Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes, and delivered a homily thanking hospital staff for their service and care of vulnerable people, including himself. A medical update issued Friday reported that tests showed “steady improvement.” According to Leo’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgery chief Dr. Stefano Margaritora, his recovery allows him to manage normal daily activities independently. The pope had resumed some work on Thursday, including reading documents and co-celebrating Mass, and met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli. He is expected to remain at the hospital until Oct. 20 and is scheduled to make his first public appearance since surgery on Sunday, delivering the traditional noontime prayer. Previous popes have recited the Angelus from Gemelli Hospital’s 10th-floor balcony. The Vatican’s publication of a list of journalists accredited to accompany Leo on a Nov. 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru suggests preparations are continuing, although his participation remains uncertain and plans could change. The Vatican also shared get-well notes from patients in the hospital’s pediatric oncology ward. A 7-year-old patient named Angelo wrote that he and his mother pray for Leo, while university-aged Giorgia described feeling close to the pope because they were both facing illness and asked him to pray for her as well.

The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. The images, published on Friday, show the Pope celebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is recovering after the operation. The Vatican said his condition was continuing to improve. His post-operative recovery has progressed to the point that he can carry out daily activities independently, and the Vatican reported that he remains in good spirits. The article therefore offers a brief update on both the Pope’s public appearance after surgery and his reported recovery. It does not provide further details about the tumour, the operation, the timing of his return to his usual duties, or any additional medical assessment. Its central information is the release of the photographs and the Vatican’s account of his condition. The photographs document a Mass celebrated at the hospital, while the accompanying statement emphasizes improving health, independence in daily activities, and a positive mood. No other statements or medical details are included in the article.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on Friday at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is recovering after surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. Photos released by the Vatican showed the 71-year-old pope standing in a hospital room on the 10th floor before a makeshift altar, wearing green vestments and accompanied by his private secretary, Peruvian priest Edgard Rimaycuna. The Vatican said medical and nursing staff, other people present and police officers joined the Mass. Leo thanked hospital workers for their service and care, particularly for the attention they had given him during his stay. The pope was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. Doctors reported that a chest X-ray showed “good recovery of the operated lung” and that tests indicated a steady improvement in his general condition. He is carrying out normal daily activities independently, and Vatican sources said his morale was good. However, tests that could establish whether the cancer has spread were still pending, and the Vatican had not provided a discharge date; the initial estimate was that recovery would take about a week. Leo is expected to lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, although the Vatican had not confirmed whether he would do so from the hospital or the Vatican. Popes John Paul II and Francis had previously recited or delivered the Angelus from hospital windows while recovering from health problems. The Vatican also released letters and drawings sent to Leo by children at the hospital. One included a tree drawn “For Pope Leo,” while an 18-year-old girl wished him better days. Seven-year-old Angelo, who had been hospitalized on the same floor for 36 days for a head operation, wrote that he and his mother prayed for the pope and hoped he would recover soon.

Pope Leo XIV is recovering after surgery for lung adenocarcinoma, and the Vatican says his condition has improved steadily. The 71-year-old pontiff is able to work and carry out normal daily activities independently, according to a medical bulletin issued on Oct 16. He is expected to make his first public appearance since the operation on Oct 18, leading the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. Leo was admitted to hospital on Oct 11 and underwent surgery on Oct 13, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican released the first post-surgery images, showing him celebrating Mass and standing unaided. Blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated continued improvement. The Vatican has not said when he will leave hospital; it had earlier suggested recovery would take about a week. Doctors have said the operation was successful and without complications, but have not disclosed the tumour’s size or whether cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes. The Vatican also said preparations were continuing for Leo’s Nov 6 to 17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, despite speculation that the trip might be delayed. Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori had raised the possibility of a postponement. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said it remained uncertain when Leo could resume his usual schedule, and that doctors’ advice would determine the circumstances of his return. The diagnosis has prompted concern because Leo is considered relatively young and energetic and was elected in May 2025. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, described as a close ally, said he was shocked to learn that the growth was malignant and that part of the lung had been removed. He said people were concerned and worried, while hoping for the best.