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The Vatican has distributed the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery and diagnosis with photographs released on October 16 showing the 71-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel and standing unaided. Doctors attending the Pope at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital stated that tests confirm his continued improvement after the operation that removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The images depict Pope Leo presiding over the service and distributing Communion while carrying out daily activities independently according to a medical update.
According to Reuters the pontiff has resumed work from his hospital room and continues a full range of physiotherapy with his lung showing good recovery from the procedure. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that Pope Leo presided over Mass on Friday in a special chapel set up for him at the facility. The medical bulletin signed by Dr Luigi Carbone and Dr Stefano Margaritora noted that post-operative tests were in the norm and his overall recovery was proceeding as expected.
Pope Leo underwent the surgery on October 13 after doctors identified a nodule that was confirmed as adenocarcinoma the most common type of lung cancer during the 90-minute operation that the Vatican described as successful with no complications. Further results from histological examinations are awaited to assess whether the disease has spread with some experts indicating such tests typically take up to two weeks though they may come sooner in this case. The procedure involved video-assisted removal of the entire lower lobe to ensure all suspect tissue was excised.
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo will deliver the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday marking his first public appearance since hospitalisation while preparations continue for his scheduled November trip to South America. The visit to Uruguay Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 has not been altered by the current medical situation according to officials. This development comes as the first American pope maintains a transparent approach to health disclosures that contrasts with some past practices.
U.S. Catholic leaders and longtime associates of the Pope have voiced confidence in his resolve following the diagnosis which prompted an outpouring of prayers from around the world for the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics. Clergy have highlighted his determination to continue his ministry despite the setback with one cardinal describing the early detection as providing a positive foundation for recovery. The news has also drawn messages of support from global figures who noted the pontiff’s active role in international affairs since succeeding Pope Francis.
Routine check-ups including blood tests and a chest X-ray have yielded normal results in the days following the intervention with the Pope eating regularly and performing respiratory exercises. Hospital sources indicated he is likely to remain at Gemelli for about one week in total though no specific discharge date has been announced. Oncologists consulted on similar cases have suggested that if the cancer remains localised a return to full duties could occur within several weeks pending final pathology reports.
