Photos show Pope Leo XIV at hospital and supporters praying as he undergoes cancer surgery

The Vatican has detailed laws, rituals and norms to transfer papal power if a pope dies or resigns. But none of them apply when he is sick or even unconscious. Pope Leo XIV had surgery Tuesday to remove part of his right lung due to cancer. The Vatican hasn't mentioned if any further treatment is expected. Leo’s audiences have been canceled through Oct. 20, but he remains very much in charge of the papacy. Nothing changes in his status, role or power as pope. Leo already delegates the day-to-day running of the Vatican and church to a team of officials who operate whether he is in the Apostolic Palace or not.

The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Mass in a special room set up for him at the hospital after cancer surgery. The Vatican says Leo celebrated along with his secretaries on Wednesday afternoon. Doctors say Leo is eating regularly and has begun walking and doing respiratory exercises, and his post-operative tests are normal following surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed he has cancer. Wednesday's announcement offered further evidence that this pope is taking a new approach to communicating about his health. His doctors say Leo's recovery is proceeding as planned.