After lung surgery, pope recovering and expected to deliver sunday Angelus prayer

Sunday appearance planned

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Leo XIV was recovering swiftly and expected to appear publicly for the first time since surgery on Sunday. He is due to deliver the traditional noontime Angelus Prayer.

Officials have not specified whether the prayer will take place at St. Peter’s Square or at Gemelli Hospital. Cardinal Pietro Parolin said a hospital recitation remained possible, depending on Leo’s recovery after the operation.

Doctors report steady improvement

Photos released Friday showed Leo celebrating Mass at Gemelli Hospital, wearing vestments and standing beside his personal secretary, Edgard Rimaycuna. The Vatican said he was carrying out ordinary activities independently.

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 allowed him to manage daily activities alone. Blood tests and chest X-rays showed steady improvement. The Vatican said it had received no new information about discharge beyond the initial estimate of one week.

Biopsy results may guide care

Doctors are waiting for biopsy results to learn more about the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. Those findings will help determine whether Leo needs additional treatment, including radiation or chemotherapy.

South America trip remains planned

The Vatican said preparations were continuing for Leo’s planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. It released the names of journalists accredited to travel with him, though whether he can make the journey remains uncertain.

Parolin said the pope’s return and the circumstances around it would depend on doctors’ advice. He said no predictions could be made, and Leo would adjust his pontificate if needed.