What changed
Pope Leo XIV has been pictured celebrating Mass at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the first images released by the Vatican since surgery on his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after doctors found a “well-contained” nodule. Tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican said the operation was successful and complication-free.
Why it matters
The images show Leo continuing a public religious role from his hospital room, standing behind a makeshift altar in a green robe and thanking medical and nursing staff. Doctors said his general condition was steadily improving and that an X-ray showed good recovery of the operated lung.
That is encouraging, but it is not a timetable. Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, while his discharge date, treatment plan and long-term ability to resume duties remain unclear. For now, the clearest update is simple: the surgery has gone well, and recovery is under way.
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