AP
Vatican Pope Surgery
This picture, released by Vatican Media on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, shows Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where he is recovering after having cancer removed from his right lung.
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The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery. They show him celebrating Mass in the hospital. Doctors meanwhile say tests confirmed the “continued improvement” in his recovery. A medical update signed by two doctors said Leo's “post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own.” The Vatican meanwhile confirmed Leo would make his first public appearance Sunday to deliver the noontime prayer.
