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

The Vatican has released new photos of Pope Leo XIV at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since his lung cancer surgery, showing him celebrating Mass at a makeshift chapel while recovering. The images, released Friday, depict the 71-year-old in green vestments at an altar; Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo presided alone, distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes, and delivered a homily. The pope thanked staff for their care of fragile patients. Doctors said tests confirmed “steady improvement,” and that his post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities independently. He will stay at Gemelli Hospital until Oct. 20, and plans call for his first public appearance Sunday for the traditional noontime prayer.