Photos show pope celebrating Mass at hospital after cancer surgery
The Vatican also released photos of some get-well notes that had been sent to Pope Leo from patients in the hospital's pediatric oncology ward.
Pope Leo XIV, recovering from lung cancer surgery, celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday. The photos, released by the Vatican, show the American-born pontiff, dressed in green vestments and standing at an altar, presiding over the liturgy alone. He distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present, and delivered a homily thanking those who care for the vulnerable, including his own medical team.
The 71-year-old pope had his right lung partially removed and diagnosed with lung cancer earlier in the week. He will stay at the hospital until October 20. Doctors reported steady improvement in his condition, allowing him to perform daily activities independently. The Vatican head of thoracic surgery, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, and Leo's personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, both signed a medical update confirming his progress.
Leo is expected to publicly appear on Sunday for the Angelus prayer, traditionally recited from the hospital's 10th-floor balcony. Despite his diagnosis, Leo plans to visit South America next month. The Vatican has already published the list of accredited journalists accompanying him on his Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, signaling the trip's go-ahead.
Cancer patients at Gemelli's pediatric oncology ward also sent get-well notes to Leo, expressing their prayers for his recovery.
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