Vatican releases images of Pope Leo XIV at Mass after lung cancer surgery

The Vatican released images Friday showing Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass after surgery for lung cancer, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. His doctors said his condition continued to improve and he could perform everyday activities without assistance.

The medical update left questions about the pope's upcoming schedule unresolved. The Vatican said he would recite his traditional prayer Sunday, but the location and his ability to make a planned South America trip remained uncertain.

According to ABC7 Los Angeles, the Vatican said Tuesday that Leo had been diagnosed with lung cancer and had surgery to remove his right lung's lower lobe.

Medical and nursing staff from the Gemelli Polyclinic attended the Mass, according to the Vatican press office. The pope thanked the staff in his homily.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and professor Stefano Margaritora said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed further improvement in the pope's overall condition. Their update also said he was continuing respiratory physical therapy.

The doctors said his recovery after surgery allowed him to manage routine daily activities independently. The Vatican had not decided whether Sunday's prayer would take place at the hospital or at the Vatican, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The pope was scheduled to leave for South America in three weeks for a trip lasting roughly two weeks, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Whether he could undertake that trip remained unclear.