Vatican releases first images of Pope Leo XIV after lung surgery

The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, Euronews and France 24 reported on Friday. The photographs show the 71-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass in a 10th-floor room at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, France 24 said. Euronews and rte.ie reported that the Vatican described his condition as continuing to show steady improvement. [1][2][7]

According to France 24, doctors said his recovery was progressing normally, though additional tests will determine if the cancer has spread. CBS News reported on Thursday that a Vatican spokesperson said the pontiff had resumed some duties, including reading documents, meeting with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, and celebrating Mass around noon. The Daily Express added that Pope Leo thanked hospital staff for their daily work during his homily. [2][4][6]

The liberal.ie reported that the pope underwent his procedure on Tuesday at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. He has started walking, eating normally, and taking part in respiratory physiotherapy, according to the outlet. PBS NewsHour noted that surgeons removed the lower section, or lobe, of his right lung to help ensure all of the cancer was removed. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after entering the hospital to treat a lung nodule. [3][5][14][15]

Pope Leo XIV serves as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. CBS News reported that he is expected to be released from Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 20, while FTMQ News previously reported that public events and audiences were cancelled until at least that date. [4][12][15]