Pope Leo Lung Cancer: First Photos Since Surgery

The Vatican on Friday released the first photographs of Pope Leo since he underwent lung cancer surgery, showing the 71-year-old pontiff standing unaided and celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel inside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The images, released by Vatican Media, mark the first time the pope has been seen publicly since the operation.

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma — the most common form of lung cancer — and surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday. In the released photographs, the pope wears green vestments and distributes communion to staff, with members of the hospital’s medical team and the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps in attendance.

Steady Recovery

A medical bulletin released Friday said the pope’s blood tests and chest X-ray confirmed “steady improvement in his overall condition.” Vatican doctors said his post-operative recovery now allows him to carry out normal daily activities with full independence.

In his homily during the hospital Mass, the pope thanked the doctors, nurses, and orderlies caring for patients “in their frailty,” and for what they have done for him.

Sunday Appearance and South America Trip

The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo will make his first public appearance since the surgery on Sunday, leading the traditional midday Angelus prayer. The appearance follows four days of recovery at Gemelli Hospital.

The Vatican also signaled that preparations are moving forward for his planned November 6–17 trip to South America, covering Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori had previously suggested the visit might need to be delayed, but the Vatican released the list of accredited journalists traveling with the pope, indicating the trip remains on schedule.

Elected in May 2025, Pope Leo has been known for an energetic, busy schedule — and Vatican officials say he intends to keep it.

Source: Reuters / Fox News