Vatican releases images of Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass post surgery
The Vatican released images of Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass Friday after having lung surgery earlier this week.
The Vatican press office said medical and nursing staff at the Gemelli Polyclinic were in attendance as the pope thanked all the staff during his homily.
The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to have the lower lobe of his right lung removed, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora issued a health update on the pope saying, "This morning, the Holy Father underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray, which confirmed the continued improvement in his overall condition.
"Respiratory physical therapy sessions have continued. His postoperative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities completely independently."
The Vatican says the pope will recite his traditional prayer on Sunday.
But they're still deciding if that will take place at the hospital or from the Vatican.
Questions remain, however, whether he'll be able to make his roughly two-week long trip to South America, which he's scheduled to leave for in three weeks.
ABC News contributed to this story
