Pope Leo XIV will lead the Sunday midday Angelus, the Holy See Press Office said, in what will be his first public appearance since he entered Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for lung surgery.
The announcement came as the Pope’s doctors reported further progress on Friday, his fourth day in hospital. In a statement released by the Press Office, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said blood tests and a chest X-ray taken that morning “confirmed the steady improvement in his overall condition.”
The doctors said his respiratory physiotherapy sessions have continued, and that his postoperative recovery “allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently.”
Earlier Friday, the Pope celebrated Mass at noon in the room set up for him on the 10th floor of the hospital, the Press Office said, and distributed Communion. Members of Gemelli’s medical and nursing staff attended, along with members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps.
“In his homily, the Pope thanked all the staff — doctors, nurses, and orderlies — for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty, and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him,” the Press Office said.
Leo, 71, had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. The Vatican said after the operation that testing had confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
The Press Office said the Sunday Angelus, normally led by the Pope, “will take place.” On Friday afternoon, the Pope also met at the hospital with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, according to the Press Office.
