Vatican Pope Surgery
An image of Pope Leo XIV is seen under the statue of late Pope St. John Paul II at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic where the pontiff is hospitalised, in Rome, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
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Pope Leo XIV’s recovery from lung surgery is progressing well, leading the Vatican to stop morning updates about his condition. On Friday, Vatican officials considered scenarios for Leo to recite the traditional Sunday noontime Angelus prayer. Media personnel were seen at the hospital preparing for a possible live broadcast. Cardinal Pietro Parolin said a Sunday prayer from the hospital is possible, depending on Leo’s recovery. The 71-year-old pope had surgery on Tuesday to remove a cancerous lung nodule. On Thursday, he resumed work from his hospital room and continued respiratory physiotherapy.
