Pope Leo XIV Recovers After Lung Lobectomy, Vatican Releases First Post-Surgery Photos

Pope Leo XIV, 71, is recovering after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a thoracic operation performed on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Tissue analysis confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said.

Four days after the procedure, the Holy See Press Office released photographs showing the pope standing at an altar in green vestments and celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel within the hospital. The service was attended by medical staff, nursing personnel and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps.

"In his homily, the Pope thanked all the staff — doctors, nurses and orderlies — for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him," the statement read.

The Vatican added that the pope’s condition is showing "steady improvement" and that he is able to perform daily activities independently, according to Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.

Medical commentators noted that the operation used video-assisted thoracoscopy, a minimally invasive technique that typically results in less pain and a quicker recovery. Dr. Marc Siegel, speaking on Fox News Digital, said the pope’s pre-surgery health and lack of smoking history should help mitigate the impact of losing a lung lobe.

Oncologist Dr. Lary Robinson explained that while most lung cancers occur in smokers, a portion of cases arise in never-smokers, and that a lobectomy is usually performed for localized disease, often stage 1, which carries a high likelihood of cure pending pathology results.

The pope is expected to lead the Angelus prayer at noon on Sunday, his first public appearance since the surgery. His planned trip to South America in November remains on the calendar, though participation will depend on his recovery progress.