The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV following his recent lung cancer surgery, depicting the pontiff celebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The images show the 71-year-old pope dressed in green vestments, standing at an altar within a makeshift chapel established in the medical facility.

According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, Pope Leo presided alone over the service, distributing Communion to medical staff and Vatican security personnel present. During the liturgy, the pope delivered a homily in which he expressed gratitude to the hospital workers for their daily dedication to caring for the sick, and specifically acknowledged the care he received during his treatment.

Pope Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, after a suspected cancerous nodule was detected. Postoperative tests confirmed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Doctors have since reported “continued improvement” in his recovery.

The Vatican announced that the pope is scheduled to make his first public appearance since the surgery on the following day, where he is set to lead the traditional noontime prayer from the Vatican.