New photos show Pope Leo celebrating Mass at hospital as he recovers from cancer surgery

October 16, 2026 / 10:05 AM EDT / CBS/AP

The Vatican released new photos of Pope Leo XIV — the first since his lung cancer surgery — showing him celebrating Mass at the hospital in Rome.

The photos, released Friday, show the American-born pope standing at an altar in green vestments, celebrating Mass at a makeshift chapel in Gemelli Hospital.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that the pontiff presided alone over the liturgy, distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present and delivered a homily.

In his homily, Leo thanked the medical personnel for their service and their closeness to those who are fragile, and for the way they have taken care of him.

The 71-year-old pope had a piece of his right lung removed and received a diagnosis of lung cancer earlier this week. He will remain at Gemelli Hospital until Oct. 20.

On Thursday, he resumed "a little bit of work activity," including reading documents, and co-celebrated Mass. He also met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state.

Doctors said Friday that tests confirmed "steady improvement" in his recovery.

"His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/