Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass in Hospital as He Recovers from Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass in Hospital as He Recovers from Lung Cancer Surgery
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Pope Leo XIV has continued some of his religious and administrative duties while recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has reported.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13 after doctors identified a localized lung nodule. Tissue examination confirmed that the growth was adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. The Vatican said the operation was successful and was completed without complications.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Leo has continued celebrating Mass in a chapel specially prepared at the hospital. Images released by the Vatican on October 16 showed him standing unaided during the religious service, offering a sign of progress in his recovery.

According to updates from the Holy See Press Office, the pope’s postoperative recovery has been progressing as expected. Medical examinations, including blood tests and a chest X-ray, indicated steady improvement. He has also resumed eating, walking and carrying out daily activities independently.

The pope has continued receiving visitors and attending to some administrative matters from his hospital room. The Vatican expects his hospitalization to last approximately one week, although his return to a full schedule will depend on medical advice.

His public engagements remain limited during the recovery period. The Vatican has announced plans for him to lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer on October 18, his first planned public appearance since the operation.