First images of Pope Leo after lung surgery give insight into his health, recovery

Pope Leo XIV, now 71, has been captured celebrating Mass inside a hospital for the first time since undergoing lung surgery. The incident took place at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, following a successful operation that did not encounter any complications. The images of the Chicago-born pontiff, released by the Vatican on Friday, depict him wearing a green robe while standing behind a temporary altar on the hospital's tenth floor.

In a statement, the Vatican press office reported that Pope Leo expressed his gratitude to the medical and nursing staff, acknowledging their service. Recent tests conducted on the Pope indicated a steady improvement in his overall health post-operation, with a chest X-ray revealing a favorable recovery of the operated lung. The Vatican disclosed that the entire lower lobe of the Pope's right lung was removed during the procedure to ensure a comprehensive treatment.

Following the surgery, the Pope awoke normally and was transferred from observation to his room after a short period, spending a "peaceful night" at the hospital. The pontiff is anticipated to remain at the hospital for approximately a week as he continues to recuperate. Earlier, Pope Leo had announced his decision to undergo the procedure during his Sunday prayers at St Peter's Square, informing the congregation that a "well-contained" nodule had been identified on his lung at an early stage.

Although nodules are often non-cancerous, the medical team confirmed that it was, as per pre-operative tests, lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican emphasized that the Pope had exhibited no symptoms of infection or illness prior to the surgery.