Nach Krebs-Diagnose: Ärzte: Papst auf dem Weg der Besserung

Pope Leo XIV, diagnosed with lung cancer, continues to recover according to the official bulletin from doctors. The 71-year-old underwent a blood test and a chest X-ray in the morning, with an "ongoing improvement in his health condition" confirmed in a Vatican communication. At the Gemelli Hospital, the head of the Catholic Church celebrated Mass alongside some staff members.

Leo has been in the clinic in northwest Rome since his surgery last Tuesday, which houses a dedicated wing for papal treatment. For the first time, three days after the operation, images from the hospital were released by the Vatican, showing the Pontiff celebrating Mass in a standing position in the clinic chapel. The American-born Pope thanked all hospital staff for their work.

He is currently receiving physiotherapy, which is expected to assist him in breathing after the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung, where a malignant tumor was found. Otherwise, he can reportedly carry out his "normal daily activities independently." The doctors have not provided further details, leaving unknown whether the Pope is now cancer-free after the 90-minute procedure.

The removed tumor was a so-called lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. According to experts, the Pope is expected to remain in the clinic until Tuesday, and the necessary treatment will likely be determined after further tests, particularly whether metastases have formed in the lungs or other organs. All official appointments until the middle of next week have been canceled. It remains unclear whether Leo can embark on a near two-week trip to South America in November.