ROME, Italy – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 16, three days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican also released the first photographs of the Pope since the operation, as his doctors reported continued improvement.
The Holy See Press Office said the Pope presided over the Mass in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor. He distributed Communion and thanked the doctors, nurses and support staff caring for patients.
The medical update offered encouraging signs about his recovery. However, doctors still needed further test results to assess the extent of the cancer and determine whether additional treatment would be necessary.
Doctors report continued improvement
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, members of the medical team treating the Pope, said blood tests and a chest X-ray on October 16 confirmed steady improvement in his overall condition.
The Pope continued respiratory physiotherapy and could carry out normal daily activities independently, according to the statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
These developments followed earlier updates showing that he had begun walking after surgery and resumed eating normally. Doctors had also reported that his postoperative recovery was progressing as expected.
The Vatican’s photographs showed Leo standing at an altar during the hospital Mass. The images documented his participation in the service but did not provide additional medical information beyond the doctors’ statements.
Surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma
The Pope underwent surgery on October 13 after doctors identified a suspicious, localized nodule in his right lung. The operation removed the lower lobe of the lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.
An examination of tissue during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, according to the medical statement published by the Vatican.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells. The diagnosis identifies the cancer type, but it does not, by itself, establish the full extent of the disease or determine the treatment required.
Doctors said further examination of the removed tissue would help inform the assessment. The information available in the October 16 update did not establish whether the cancer had spread beyond the removed lung lobe or whether the Pope would need additional treatment.
The Vatican has not publicly confirmed that no further treatment will be necessary. His ability to celebrate Mass and manage daily activities should therefore not be interpreted as a definitive cancer prognosis.
Sunday Angelus remains on the schedule
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s traditional Angelus prayer was expected to take place on Sunday, October 18. However, the information available for this report did not establish whether he would deliver it from Gemelli Hospital or another location.
His immediate schedule remains subject to his recovery and medical advice. The Holy See Press Office has not confirmed a discharge date in the updates reviewed for this article.
The Vatican had previously indicated that the Pope might remain in hospital for about a week after surgery. That was an estimate, not a confirmed discharge appointment.
The distinction matters because a planned public appearance does not necessarily mean the Pope has been cleared to resume all his usual duties.
November visit still requires confirmation
The Vatican’s published calendar lists a planned apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.
The trip would take place only a few weeks after the Pope’s surgery. Its final status therefore remains an important question as he recovers.
The schedule establishes that the visit was planned, but it does not establish that doctors have cleared him to travel. No final medical clearance or definitive decision to proceed with the trip was confirmed in the October 16 information reviewed for this report.
The Vatican will need to clarify whether the itinerary remains unchanged or whether adjustments are necessary as the Pope’s recovery progresses.
Medical outlook remains unresolved
The October 16 update provides evidence of continued postoperative improvement: the Pope underwent follow-up tests, continued respiratory physiotherapy and carried out daily activities independently.
But the medical questions extend beyond his immediate recovery from surgery. Further assessment is needed to determine the extent of the cancer and whether additional treatment will be required.
For now, the Vatican has reported progress without providing a definitive long-term prognosis. The next medical update, any decision on discharge and confirmation of the Pope’s upcoming schedule will help clarify what happens next.
Reporting Credit: Holy See Press Office for the official medical updates and the Pope’s hospital schedule; Vatican News for its publication of the treating physicians’ statements and the account of the October 16 Mass; and the Vatican’s official events calendar for the planned November apostolic visit.
