Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass at Rome Hospital Following Lung Cancer Surgery

The Vatican released photographs Friday showing Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, marking the first public images of the pontiff since undergoing surgery for lung cancer earlier this week.

The photographs depict the 71-year-old American-born pope standing at an altar, vested in traditional green liturgical garments, as he presided over Mass in a small chapel within the medical facility. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Holy Father conducted the liturgy independently, distributed Holy Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes in attendance, and delivered a homily expressing gratitude for the care he has received.

Surgeons removed a portion of Pope Leo’s right lung after discovering cancerous tissue. Medical authorities at Gemelli Hospital confirmed Friday that diagnostic tests show steady improvement in the pontiff’s post-operative condition. Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pope’s personal physician, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, chief of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, issued a joint medical update stating that the Holy Father’s recovery permits him to carry out normal daily activities without assistance.

Hospital officials expect Pope Leo to remain at the facility until October 20. On Thursday, he resumed limited work responsibilities, including reviewing documents, and participated in celebrating Mass. The pontiff also received Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state, demonstrating a measured return to his official duties.

In a significant diplomatic development, Pope Leo spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. During their conversation, the pontiff expressed grave concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky. He called for an immediate ceasefire to permit the distribution of food and medical supplies and enable civilian evacuation from the region. The Vatican emphasized that the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s dedication to fostering dialogue and advancing peace.

The pope also conducted meetings with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, indicating a substantial resumption of his administrative responsibilities.

Vatican officials announced that Pope Leo will make his first public appearance Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime Angelus prayer. Historical precedent suggests he will recite the prayer from the tenth-floor balcony of Gemelli Hospital, as previous popes have done during hospital stays.

Questions remain regarding the pontiff’s scheduled journey to South America next month. The Vatican published Friday the names of journalists accredited to accompany the papal plane during his November 6-17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. While the Holy See reserves the right to modify travel arrangements at any time, releasing the media roster signals that preparations continue as planned.

The Vatican also shared photographs of correspondence sent to Pope Leo from young patients in Gemelli Hospital’s pediatric oncology ward. One particularly moving note came from seven-year-old Angelo, who wrote that he and his mother pray for the Holy Father nightly. The child, himself hospitalized for 36 days, wished the pope a swift recovery, decorating his message with small hearts.

That such correspondence would reach the pontiff during his own health crisis speaks to the pastoral connection between shepherd and flock that transcends the walls of any hospital ward.