Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, marking his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff, flanked by his private secretary, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, presided over the liturgy in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor, wearing green vestments. Vatican officials confirmed he distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present and delivered a homily thanking staff for their care.
Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for a 90-minute surgery to remove a lesion from his right lung. The Vatican confirmed the procedure was successful and without complications, with doctors removing the entire lower lobe of his right lung to ensure a radical excision. Post-operative tests showed steady improvement in his general condition, including a chest X-ray indicating good recovery of the operated lung. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora stated in a medical update that his recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities independently.
The Vatican reported that Pope Leo awoke normally after the operation and returned to his room following a brief observation period. He spent a peaceful night at the hospital and is expected to remain there for approximately one week as part of his recovery plan.
First public appearance and upcoming Angelus prayer
On Thursday, Pope Leo resumed limited work activities, including reading documents and co-celebrating Mass. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed he met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state. The pontiff is scheduled to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in public on Sunday, though the Vatican has not specified whether it will occur from the hospital or the Apostolic Palace. Past popes have recited the Angelus from the hospital’s 10th-floor balcony when hospitalized.
Vatican officials noted Pope Leo’s mood was good and that he had received letters and drawings from children, which he reviewed. The Angelus is typically recited by the pope every Sunday from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square to crowds of faithful gathered below.
Medical details and diagnosis
Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for roughly 40% of all lung cancer cases. The diagnosis followed pre-operative tests that confirmed the nodule was malignant. The Vatican emphasized that the pope had no symptoms of infection or illness prior to the procedure and described the nodule as well-contained and at an early stage when he announced the surgery during his weekly Sunday prayers.
Doctors confirmed the surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, with the pontiff in the operating room for about three hours total. The Vatican stated the operation proceeded without complications, and his recovery has been described as progressing normally.
Upcoming travel plans remain under review
The Vatican published the names of accredited journalists for Pope Leo’s planned November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, signaling that travel plans are proceeding as scheduled. However, the Vatican has not confirmed whether the pope’s health will affect his ability to undertake the journey. The trip’s itinerary and schedule remain subject to change based on his recovery.