First images released of Pope Leo as recovery continues at hospital after cancer surgery

The Vatican on Friday released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery, showing him celebrating Mass, as doctors said that tests confirmed the “continued improvement” in his recovery.

The photos show Leo standing up at the altar in green vestments celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel that has been set up for him in Gemelli hospital. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said he presided alone over the liturgy, distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present and delivered a homily.

In his homily, Leo thanked the hospital staff “for the work they do every day taking care of the sick in their fragility, and in a particular way what they had done for him,” Bruni said.

Bruni also confirmed Leo would make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer.

“His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own,” said a medical update signed by Leo’s personal physician Dr. Luigi Carbone and the head of thoracic surgery at the Gemelli hospital, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.

The 71-year-old Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed Oct. 13 after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule.

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