Vatican Releases First Photos of Pope Leo XIV After Lung Cancer Surgery

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ROME – The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since he underwent lung cancer surgery earlier this week, showing the 71-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital as he continues his recovery.

Two images published by the Holy See depict the pope standing in liturgical vestments during a Mass held at the hospital. One of the photographs shows his personal assistant, Edgard Rimaycuna, standing beside him. According to the Vatican, the American-born pope also thanked the hospital staff for their work and care throughout his treatment.

A medical bulletin issued by doctors said Leo XIV continues to make steady progress. The pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray on Friday morning, which indicated “a continued improvement in his health condition,” according to a Vatican statement.

The pontiff is currently receiving physiotherapy designed to assist his breathing following the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors discovered a malignant tumor in the affected section of the lung, which was removed during the operation. The Vatican said the pope is otherwise able to carry out his normal daily activities independently.

No further medical details have been released, leaving unanswered whether the 90-minute procedure successfully removed all cancerous tissue. The tumor was identified as a lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, according to medical experts.

The pope was admitted to hospital shortly before undergoing surgery earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo XIV is expected to deliver the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer at noon. It remains unclear whether he will lead the prayer from his study in the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square or from Gemelli Hospital.

There are also signs that the pope still intends to proceed with a planned visit to South America. According to the Catholic News Agency (KNA), the Vatican press office on Friday posted a list of more than 80 journalists who had applied to travel aboard the papal aircraft.

The proposed itinerary, scheduled for November 6 to 17, includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. However, the Vatican has not yet officially confirmed the trip.

The journey would mark Leo XIV’s first major international tour since his surgery and could provide an indication of the pace of his recovery in the weeks ahead.