The Vatican has released photographs of Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass in his hospital room following surgery for lung cancer. It said the pope is recovering quickly and will appear in public on the 18th.
The Vatican released two photographs on the 16th showing the pope celebrating Mass in his hospital room, Reuters reported. It was the first time he has been seen since being admitted to hospital and undergoing surgery on the 13th.
In the photographs, the pope is wearing priestly vestments and leading the Mass standing without assistance. One image shows Edgar Rimaycuna, a Peruvian priest who serves as his personal secretary, at his side.
"Pope Leo XIV's health is steadily improving," the Vatican said, adding that he is now able to carry out daily activities without help. The pope is scheduled to appear before the faithful for the first time since his hospitalization at the Angelus prayer on Sunday the 18th.
He had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer.
No date has been set for his discharge. The Vatican said it had received no separate notification from the medical team regarding a discharge, and that nothing had been communicated beyond the roughly one-week hospital stay initially indicated.
The Vatican said preparations are also proceeding without disruption for a trip to three South American countries planned for next month. The pope is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori had earlier suggested the trip could be postponed because of the pope's health, but the Vatican signaled its intention to proceed as planned by releasing the list of journalists who will accompany him on the trip.