The Vatican has released this Friday the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his operation last Tuesday, in which he appears celebrating a mass at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he remains hospitalized. The Holy See has confirmed that the Pontiff is experiencing a "constant improvement" after the surgical intervention in which a malignant tumor was removed from his right lung.
The latest medical report, published this Friday, indicates that the tests conducted during the morning show a favorable evolution. "The Holy Father underwent a blood test and a chest X-ray this morning, which have confirmed the constant improvement of his general conditions," the Vatican statement reports.
The Holy See has also wanted to highlight that Leo XIV maintains his autonomy and continues to attend to his responsibilities despite being hospitalized. "Respiratory physiotherapy sessions have continued. The postoperative recovery allows him to carry out his daily activities with total autonomy," the note adds.
The Pope celebrates a mass from the hospital
The images released by the Vatican show the Pontiff during a religious celebration organized in a room set up on the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital.
Healthcare professionals who were off duty, as well as members of the Gendarmerie of the State of Vatican City, attended the ceremony. During the homily, Leo XIV thanked the medical and nursing staff for the care received since his admission.
The celebration constitutes one of the first known public activities of the Pope since the intervention and occurs after several days in which the Holy See has informed about his evolution through medical statements.
In addition, the Vatican has confirmed that the Pontiff continues to handle government matters. On Thursday, he met with Paolo Rudelli, substitute of the Secretariat of State, in a working meeting aimed at addressing pending issues.
The Vatican contemplates a reappearance this Sunday
The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Pietro Parolin, has opened the possibility that Leo XIV will make his first public appearance this Sunday on the occasion of the traditional Angelus prayer.
"If he is better, I think he will do the Angelus from the Gemelli," Parolin stated this Thursday, although he specified that the decision will depend on the evolution of his recovery.
If confirmed, the Pope could address the faithful from a window or balcony of the hospital center, as John Paul II and Francis did during their respective admissions.
For the moment, León XIV will remain hospitalized for at least a week and has suspended his agenda until October 20.
Pending the analysis of the excised tumor
The Pontiff was operated on Tuesday after doctors detected a nodule in one of his lungs. During the operation, it was confirmed that it was an adenocarcinoma, a type of malignant tumor, which was completely removed.
The extracted tissue continues to be analyzed to determine the characteristics of the disease and establish whether any additional treatment will be necessary.
The definitive results could be known between October 23 and 27, approximately ten to fourteen days after the intervention. Until then, doctors will need to determine whether the surgery has been sufficient or if the Pontiff needs to continue with any oncological treatment.
The clinical evolution will also be decisive in deciding whether the apostolic trip that León XIV is scheduled to make to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between November 6 and 17 will be maintained. The visit remains scheduled, although its celebration will depend on the Pope's health status.