The Vatican released new photographs of Pope Leo XIV on Friday, providing the first visual update since the pontiff underwent surgery for lung cancer. The images show the 71-year-old American-born pope standing at an altar in a small chapel at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, dressed in green vestments while celebrating Mass.
According to a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Pope presided over the liturgy alone. During the service, he delivered a homily and distributed Communion to the medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes who were in attendance. In his homily, Leo expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff for their dedicated service, their closeness to those who are fragile, and the care they have provided him during his recovery.
The Pope had a portion of his right lung removed earlier this week following a lung cancer diagnosis. Medical updates signed by his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, confirmed on Friday that tests show steady improvement in his condition. The medical team noted that his post-operative recovery is progressing well enough for him to carry out his normal daily activities independently. He is expected to remain at the hospital until Oct. 20.
Vatican officials reported that the Pope resumed some work activity on Thursday, which included reading documents and co-celebrating Mass. He also held separate meetings with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, the undersecretary of state, as well as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome.
In a diplomatic development on Friday, the Vatican confirmed that Leo spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, the Pope expressed deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, Ukraine. He called for a ceasefire to allow for the distribution of food and medical assistance, as well as the safe evacuation of civilians. The Vatican stated that the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.
The Vatican also released photos of get-well notes sent to the Pope from patients at Gemelli's pediatric oncology ward. One note from 7-year-old Angelo mentioned he had been on the 10th floor for 36 days, while a university student named Giorgia wrote to the Pope in his native English, expressing a sense of shared hardship and offering prayers for his healing.
Looking ahead, the Vatican announced that Leo will make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer, which past popes have recited from the 10th-floor balcony of Gemelli Hospital. While his ability to travel to South America next month has been in question, the Vatican published a list of journalists accredited to fly on the papal plane for the Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, signaling that the visit is proceeding organizationally.
Posting the media list signaled that, at least organizationally, the trip was going ahead.
"When I heard on the news about you and your situation, I felt it a thousand times harder, because in some ways we're going through the same thing, and it made me feel closer to you," she wrote. "I pray to God that we both heal and I ask you to pray for me, too."
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.