The Vatican has released the first photos of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery, showing him celebrating Mass at a Rome hospital. The images emerged on Friday as doctors reported continued progress in his recovery.
The 71-year-old pontiff celebrated Mass inside a makeshift chapel at Gemelli Hospital. He wore green vestments and stood at the altar during the service.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo led the Mass himself. He also distributed Communion to hospital workers and Vatican gendarmes who attended the service.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope thanked medical staff for caring for patients and supporting him during his hospital stay.
Pope Leo’s Health Shows Signs of Improvement
Doctors say Pope Leo’s recovery is progressing well following surgery on October 13.
A medical update signed by his personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgery chief Dr Stefano Margaritora, said he could perform his normal daily activities independently.
The Pope underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a nodule suspected to be cancerous.
The operation confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
However, doctors are still awaiting further test results. These will help determine the cancer’s molecular and genetic characteristics, whether it has spread beyond the removed lung section, and whether additional treatment is needed.
Vatican Plans Pope’s First Public Appearance
The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo is expected to make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional midday prayer.
Officials have not confirmed whether he will lead the prayer from the hospital or another location. Vatican media staff were seen preparing equipment at Gemelli Hospital for a possible live broadcast.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said the Pope’s appearance would depend on his recovery.
The Sunday prayer could offer an important update on the pontiff’s condition to Catholics around the world.
Pope Leo’s Upcoming South American Trip Remains on the Calendar
Despite concerns about his diagnosis, the Vatican has taken steps towards Pope Leo’s planned visit to South America.
On Friday, officials published the names of journalists accredited to travel with him during his scheduled November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The move suggests that preparations remain underway. However, the Vatican could still change the itinerary depending on medical advice and the Pope’s progress.
Parolin has said it is too early to predict when Leo will fully resume his duties or whether his schedule will need adjustments.
He said the Pope would make decisions based on his doctors’ advice and his recovery.
Young Cancer Patients Send Pope Leo Get-Well Messages
The Vatican has also shared messages from young patients receiving treatment in Gemelli Hospital’s paediatric oncology ward.
One message came from seven-year-old Angelo, who said he had spent 36 days on the ward. He told the Pope that he and his mother prayed for him every night and wished him a quick recovery.
Another message came from Giorgia, a university-aged student who wrote to Leo in English. She said his illness had made her feel closer to him because she was also going through a difficult health experience.
She expressed hope that both of them would recover and asked the Pope to pray for her.
The messages offered a personal glimpse into the support Leo has received while recovering in hospital.