Vatican releases first photos of Pope Leo XIV after lung cancer surgery
In short
The Vatican released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV after lung surgery on October 16, showing him celebrating Mass in hospital, Korean outlets reported. Newsis said the Vatican described his condition as steadily improving, while results on complete cancer removal and further treatment remained unpublished.
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The Vatican released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV after lung surgery on October 16, showing him celebrating Mass at Rome's Gemelli hospital, Korean outlets reported. Newsis said the pictures showed him standing in a temporary hospital chapel at about noon. The Vatican said he was steadily improving after surgery earlier in the week and had celebrated Mass himself, according to the agency. [ 25 , 26 , 28 ]
Off-duty doctors and nurses attended the Mass in a space on the hospital's tenth floor reserved for the pope during treatment, Newsis reported. It said the pope thanked the medical staff caring for him and other patients during his homily. He underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray that morning. Doctors said he was continuing respiratory rehabilitation and could carry out everyday activities independently; the Vatican also described him as independent in movement and breathing. [ 28 ]
The 71-year-old pope underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after testing confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, according to Yonhap and other outlets. Yonhap reported that the procedure lasted about 90 minutes and that doctors described it as successful and without complications. The agency said the Vatican had not released details of tumour size or lymph-node spread. The latest Newsis report said results establishing whether the cancer was fully removed or additional treatment was required remained unpublished. [ 3 , 5 , 28 ]
Newsis reported plans for the pope to lead the traditional Angelus prayer on October 18, which the Vatican described as his first public engagement after treatment. The same account also said all his engagements through October 20 remained cancelled. It described the November 6–17 Latin America visit as uncertain, while noting that Vatican preparations continued and that a list of accompanying journalists had been announced. [ 28 ]
Why it matters
Reports said official audiences through October 20 had been cancelled following surgery. The latest Newsis account said the November 6–17 Latin America visit remained uncertain, although preparations were continuing.
Key facts
- Photos released on October 16 showed the pope celebrating Mass at Gemelli hospital. [ 25 , 26 , 28 ]
- Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung on October 13 after confirming lung adenocarcinoma. [ 3 , 5 , 28 ]
- Newsis said results establishing whether all cancer was removed or further treatment was needed had not been published. [ 28 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The first post-surgery photographs were released on October 16 and showed the pope celebrating Mass in hospital. [ 25 , 26 , 28 ]
- The pope underwent surgery removing the lower lobe of his right lung after lung adenocarcinoma was confirmed. [ 3 , 5 , 8 , 28 ]
- Doctors said the operation was successful and without complications. [ 3 , 5 , 8 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the cancer was completely removed and whether further treatment will be needed. Newsis said the relevant test results had not been published.
- The schedule for public appearances and the Latin America trip. Newsis described an October 18 prayer appearance while also saying all engagements through October 20 were cancelled, and said the November trip remained uncertain.