Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to remove a lump from his right lung after a suspected cancerous nodule was detected. The 71-year-old pontiff, originally from Chicago, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Vatican officials reported that the nodule was found at an early stage, and the surgical procedure was successful.

Following the operation, the Vatican released photographs showing Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel, where he presided alone over the service. Wearing green vestments, the pope distributed Communion to medical staff and Vatican gendarmes present, and delivered a homily in which he expressed gratitude to the hospital personnel for their care and dedication. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that tests have confirmed the pope’s continued improvement in his recovery.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to make his first public appearance since the surgery by delivering the traditional noontime prayer. His recovery and ongoing health have been closely followed by the public and media, with Vatican sources emphasizing the early detection and successful treatment of the lung cancer.