Pope Leo XIV is showing signs of steady recovery following lung cancer surgery earlier this week, Vatican officials announced as images circulated of the pontiff celebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The 71-year-old pope underwent surgery on October 13, which involved removal of the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. Post-operative tests confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
In newly released photographs, Pope Leo is seen standing at the altar in green vestments within a makeshift chapel set up at the hospital. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope presided alone over the Mass, distributed Communion to hospital staff and Vatican gendarmes present, and delivered a homily expressing gratitude to the medical personnel for their care. The pontiff thanked them “for the work they do every day taking care of the sick in their fragility, and in a particular way what they had done for him,” according to Bruni.
Medical updates signed by Pope Leo’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora indicated that the pope’s recovery is progressing well enough to allow him to carry out normal daily activities independently. Although the Vatican had initially estimated a weeklong hospital stay and canceled his audiences through Tuesday, officials are considering the possibility of his discharge soon, depending on medical advice.
The pope is scheduled to make his first public appearance since the surgery on Sunday by delivering the traditional noontime Angelus prayer. Vatican media teams have been seen preparing for a live broadcast from the hospital, although it remains unclear if he will deliver the prayer from the hospital chapel or back at the Vatican. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said the timing and location of the appearance will depend on Pope Leo’s recovery. Parolin also indicated that the pope might need to adjust his pontificate going forward in response to his health, particularly concerning the upcoming trip planned for November.
The planned papal visit to South America, which is set for November 6 to 17 and includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, remains on the Vatican’s schedule. The Vatican published the list of accredited journalists for the trip, signaling that preparations continue despite health uncertainties. Vatican officials have noted, however, that the plan could be revised as circumstances evolve.
Doctors are currently awaiting further test results to determine the precise molecular and genetic profile of the cancer and to assess whether it has spread beyond the affected lung lobe. These findings will inform whether further treatment is necessary.
Meanwhile, the Vatican also released images of messages sent to the pope by patients at Gemelli’s pediatric oncology ward, expressing support and prayers for his recovery. Among these was a note from a seven-year-old patient, and another from a university student who shared a personal connection to illness. These messages reflect a broader sentiment of encouragement during Pope Leo’s recuperation period.