Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass as recovery from cancer surgery progresses

The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery, showing him celebrating Mass as doctors said that tests confirmed the continued improvement in his recovery. The 71-year-old Pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said he presided alone over the liturgy, distributed communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present, and delivered a homily. In his homily, Pope Leo thanked the hospital staff for their work taking care of the sick, and particularly how they had helped him during his treatment. Bruni also confirmed the Pope would make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer, although he did not confirm whether it would be from the hospital or from the Vatican.