Photos Show Pope Celebrating Mass at Hospital as He Recovers From Lung Cancer Surgery
First images since surgery
The Vatican released photos showing Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. They were the first images made public since he underwent lung cancer surgery. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo presided over the liturgy alone, gave Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes, and delivered a homily.
Doctors report progress
The 71-year-old pope had part of his right lung removed and received a lung cancer diagnosis earlier this week. He is expected to stay at Gemelli Hospital until Oct. 20.
Tests confirmed “steady improvement,” according to doctors on Friday. A medical update signed by Leo’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Gemelli’s head of thoracic surgery, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said his recovery lets him carry out normal daily activities completely on his own.
Trip preparations continue
On Friday, the Vatican published the names of journalists accredited to accompany Leo on his Nov. 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The publication indicated that, organizationally, plans for the trip were proceeding.
Key points
- The Vatican’s photos show Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at Gemelli Hospital.
- Doctors reported steady improvement after surgery to remove part of Leo’s right lung.
- Leo is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital until Oct. 20.
- The Vatican published journalist names for Leo’s planned Nov. 6–17 trip to three South American countries.