Vatican releases first images of Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at Rome hospital
Photographs issued Friday show Pope Leo XIV in green vestments celebrating Mass on the tenth floor of Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been since October 13. The Holy See says tests confirm a steady improvement after his lung surgery
The Vatican on Friday released the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung surgery, showing him celebrating Mass at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, where he has been hospitalized since October 13. The photographs were taken in a room set up on the tenth floor of the hospital. They show the pope in green liturgical vestments alongside his personal secretary, Edgar Rimaycuna. Off-duty medical and nursing staff attended the Mass, along with members of the Vatican Gendarmerie, the city state's police force.
Pope thanks health care workers
In his homily, Leo XIV thanked health care workers for the care he has received and for their daily work caring for the sick. The Mass was celebrated days after the operation.
Tests confirm steady improvement
The images came with news about the pope's recovery. According to the latest medical bulletin from the Holy See, blood tests and a chest X-ray carried out Friday confirm a "steady improvement" in his general condition. The pope is continuing respiratory physiotherapy and can now carry out his daily activities on his own. He had the affected lobe of his lung removed.
