Doctors report steady improvement after lung surgery, while the Vatican confirms Sunday’s Angelus will proceed without specifying the Pope’s role.
Pope Leo’s recovery continues to progress after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Holy See Press Office said on Friday, October 17, that he can now manage normal daily activities independently.
The pontiff remains at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he celebrated Mass for hospital staff at noon on Friday. Meanwhile, doctors reported that fresh examinations showed further improvement in his overall condition.
Doctors report progress in Pope Leo’s recovery
Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said Friday morning’s blood tests and chest X-ray confirmed steady improvement. They also said the Pope continues respiratory physiotherapy as part of his postoperative care.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation that revealed lung adenocarcinoma. Earlier Vatican updates said tissue examination during the procedure confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
The Vatican had reported that the operation proceeded without complications. Afterwards, the Pope woke normally and returned to his hospital room.
However, the latest update did not give a discharge date or further details about the cancer’s stage. It also left the timing and nature of any subsequent treatment unclear.
Pontiff thanks healthcare workers during Mass
The Pope celebrated Friday’s Mass in a room arranged for the service on the hospital’s 10th floor. He also distributed Communion to those attending, the Holy See Press Office said.
Members of the hospital’s medical and nursing teams joined the service, alongside Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps personnel. During his homily, the Pope thanked doctors, nurses and orderlies for their daily care of patients facing illness and vulnerability.
He also expressed gratitude for the support staff have given him throughout his hospital stay. The service took place while he continued his recovery under medical supervision.
Separately, the pontiff met Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.
Sunday Angelus remains on schedule
The Vatican confirmed that the traditional Sunday midday Angelus would go ahead. However, it did not specify whether Pope Leo would lead the prayer in person.
His hospitalisation had already prompted the cancellation of scheduled audiences through October 20. Cardinal Tagle received the assignment to celebrate a previously scheduled Mass.
While Friday’s assessment marked further progress, the Vatican has not announced when the Pope will leave hospital.
