Pope Leo pictured celebrating Mass after lung surgery and cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV has been pictured celebrating Mass in hospital after surgery to remove part of his right lung, as doctors reported a steady improvement in his condition. The Vatican has said he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after the operation.

The images, released on Friday, show the 71-year-old pontiff in a green robe at a makeshift altar on the tenth floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican press office said he celebrated Mass with medical and nursing staff and thanked them for their service. [1]

Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday. The Vatican said the operation was successful and had no complications, and that the whole lower lobe of his right lung was removed. His doctors said a chest X-ray showed the operated lung was recovering well.

The Pope had announced the operation during his weekly Sunday prayers, saying doctors had found a well-contained lung nodule at an early stage and advised its removal. The Vatican said tests confirmed it was cancerous, as pre-operative tests had suspected. It also said Leo had shown no symptoms of infection or illness before the procedure.

He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week while he recovers. [1]