Pope Leo to make Sunday appearance as first images released since cancer surgery - Reuters

The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since his recent surgery and cancer diagnosis. The images, made public by the Holy See, show the pontiff celebrating Mass.

The pope underwent an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, during which doctors identified a case of lung cancer. Following the procedure, he remained under medical observation at the hospital.

In the released photographs, Pope Leo XIV is seen presiding over the liturgy, indicating that he is able to carry out his religious duties. The visual documentation provides a first public glimpse of his condition after the operation.

Medical officials have stated that subsequent examinations have confirmed a continued improvement in the pope’s recovery. The assessment follows a series of tests conducted after the surgery.

The publication of these images marks the initial visual update on Pope Leo XIV’s health since his operation, offering the faithful and the broader public a view of his current state.