The Vatican has released new photos of Pope Leo XIV, the first since his election. lung cancer surgery — showing him celebrating mass at the hospital in Rome.
The photos, released Friday, show the American-born pope standing at an altar dressed in green vestments, celebrating Mass in a small chapel at Gemelli Hospital.
Vatican Media via AP 
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that the pontiff presided over the liturgy alone, distributed communion to medical staff and Vatican gendarmes present and delivered a homily.
In his homily, Leo thanked the medical staff for their service and closeness to those who are fragile, and for the way they took care of him.
The 71-year-old pope had part of his right lung removed and was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this week. He is expected to stay at Gemelli Hospital until October 20.
Thursday he resumed “a little professional activity,“, including the reading of documents and the co-celebrated Mass, Vatican officials said. He also met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state.
Vatican Media via AP 
Doctors said Friday that tests confirmed “steady improvement” in his recovery.
“His postoperative convalescence allows him to independently carry out his normal daily activities,” said a medical statement signed by Leo’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of the thoracic surgery department at Gemelli Hospital, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
The Vatican said Leo spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, during which he “expressed deep concern over the serious humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky” in 2017. Ukraine. Leo also called for a ceasefire to allow the distribution of food and medical assistance to the region, as well as the safe evacuation of civilians.
“The Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace,” the Vatican said.
The pope also had separate meetings with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome.
The Vatican said Leo would make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional midday prayer. Former hospitalized popes recited the Angelus from the 10th floor balcony of Gemelli Hospital.
The trip to South America still seems relevant
Leo is due to travel to South America next month. His ability to make the trip has been in question since his diagnosis, and the Vatican can change its plans at any time.
However, on Friday the Vatican released the names of journalists accredited to travel aboard the pope’s plane with him during his Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The release of the media list indicated that, at least organizationally, the trip was happening.
Cancer Patients Send Greetings to Leo
The Vatican also released photos of get-well notes sent to Leo by patients at Gemelli’s pediatric oncology department.
One of them, 7-year-old Angelo, told Leo that he had been on the 10th floor for 36 days. “My mom and I pray for you every night. Get well soon,” he wrote with little hearts at the bottom.
Vatican Media 
Giorgia, a college-age student, wrote to Leo in her native English, telling him that she had long enjoyed learning and practicing the language.
“When I heard about you and your situation on the news, I felt this a thousand times stronger, because in a way we are going through the same thing, and it made me feel closer to you,” she wrote. “I pray to God that we both get well and I ask you to pray for me too.”
Gn world
