Pope Leo celebrates Mass at Rome hospital as recovery progresses
Pope Leo XIV presided over a Mass at Gemelli Hospital while recovering from lung cancer surgery and met with senior clergy and world leaders.
The Vatican released photographs on Friday showing Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass in the chapel of Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is recovering after lung cancer surgery that required removal of part of his right lung. The pope, dressed in green vestments, conducted the liturgy alone, distributed Communion to medical staff and Vatican gendarmes, and delivered a homily thanking the caregivers for their service and support.
"His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own," a medical update signed by his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said.
Doctors reported steady improvement, and the pope is expected to remain at the hospital until Oct. 20. Earlier in the week he resumed limited duties, including reading documents and co-celebrating Mass, and met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, the Vatican undersecretary of state.
The Vatican noted that Pope Leo spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, Ukraine, and calling for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of food, medical aid, and civilian evacuations. The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peace.
Separate meetings were held with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome. The pope is slated to make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer.
Plans for a South American trip in early November remain on the agenda, with the Vatican publishing a list of accredited journalists for the itinerary that includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The Vatican also shared images of get-well notes from patients in the hospital’s pediatric oncology ward, including a message from a 7-year-old boy and a university student who wrote in English, expressing solidarity and requesting prayers.