Pope Leo XIV improving after lung cancer surgery; Vatican releases first hospital images

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at Rome's Gemelli hospital after lung surgery on Tuesday. The 71-year-old Pope, who was born in Chicago, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The cancer is a lung adenocarcinoma. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

On Friday, his doctors said tests showed a steady improvement in his general condition. AP quoted them as reporting "continued improvement". According to France 24, the doctors said a chest X-ray indicated "good recovery of the operated lung". They also said the Pope is carrying out "his normal daily activities completely independently".

Also on Friday, the Vatican released the first images of the Pope since the surgery. They show him in green vestments, celebrating Mass behind a makeshift altar on the hospital's 10th floor. According to the Vatican press office, he celebrated Mass with medical and nursing staff and thanked them for their service.

His hospital stay is expected to last about a week. The latest reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include results showing whether the cancer has spread.

According to the BBC, the Pope announced the operation during his Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square. He said doctors had found a "well-contained" nodule on his lung "at an early stage". The Guardian reported that the growth was found during a routine health check, and that the Vatican said a video-assisted (keyhole) technique was used.

The BBC reported that the Vatican called the surgery "successful", with no complications. The Vatican said the whole lower lobe was removed "to ensure the procedure was radical", according to the BBC. It also stressed that the Pope had shown no symptoms of infection or illness beforehand.

According to France 24/AFP, the Pope is expected to lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday. A Vatican source would not say whether he would do so from the hospital or the Vatican. France 24/AFP also reported that the press office has not updated the possible timing of his discharge.

What is disputed

Reports differ slightly on timing. According to The Guardian, the Vatican said the diagnosis was confirmed during the operation. The BBC reports it came after the surgery, once the nodule was examined.

What each side says

• The Pope's doctors say his general condition is steadily improving and the operated lung is recovering well.
• The Vatican press office, as quoted by France 24, said the Pope thanked staff "for the care, attention, and treatment given to him in these days".
• An unnamed Vatican source, quoted by France 24/AFP, said: "Morale is good, that's obvious. And the recovery as well because the pope has been able to celebrate mass."

What the reports do not include

The reports do not include a final pathology report. They do not say whether further treatment will be needed. All the reports reviewed by Vocemundi ultimately rely on statements from the Vatican and the Pope's doctors.

Analysis

The information released so far points to an early-stage finding and a smooth recovery. However, all of it comes from the Vatican and the Pope's medical team. Key questions remain open. The reports do not say whether the cancer has spread or whether further treatment will be needed. If results are reassuring, the Pope may resume his schedule after a short recovery. If further treatment is required, his public programme could change. That includes the overseas trip The Guardian reports is planned for November. The timing and detail of future medical bulletins are likely to shape how his health is understood.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.