Rome
The first images of Pope Leo since his lung cancer surgery have been released, showing him standing up and celebrating mass in a makeshift hospital chapel.
Leo led mass at midday on Friday with off-duty medical and nursing staff from the Gemelli Hospital present as the Vatican said he showed “steady improvement” after having part of his lung removed earlier in the week.
The pope thanked staff for their work caring for himself and others who are sick during his homily, the Vatican said.
The Mass took place in a room on the 10th floor of the hospital where a suite of rooms is set aside for any time a pope is admitted for medical treatment.
The Vatican also said that Pope Leo will recite the traditional Angelus prayers on Sunday in what will be his first public appearance since his treatment.
In the latest update from the Vatican, the press office said Leo underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray on Friday morning.
The pontiff is continuing his respiratory physiotherapy sessions, doctors involved in his treatment said, adding that his recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities independently.
The 71-year-old is completely autonomous now in movement and breathing, the Vatican added.
Post-operative test results to confirm whether the pope is completely cancer free and what, if any, treatment is needed have not been released yet.
The news of the pope’s diagnosis has been received with shock inside the Vatican, with Leo known as someone as physically active and seen to be in good health.
The pope’s engagements have been cancelled until 20 October and it is not clear whether his planned trip to Latin America from 6-17 November will take place.
The Vatican, however, are continuing with preparations for the visit and on Friday posted the list of journalists traveling with the pope to report on the trip.
This story has been updated.
