The Vatican released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery, showing the American-born pontiff celebrating Mass in a small chapel at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The images, distributed Friday, show the pope standing at an altar in green vestments, presiding alone over the liturgy. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that the pontiff distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present and delivered a homily thanking the medical staff for their service and their closeness to those who are fragile.
The release of the photographs was carried by major outlets including Fox News, CBS News, ABC News, Reuters, and One America News. Each framed the images as the first visual confirmation of the pope's condition since his surgery earlier in the week.
Fox News, which has 29.4 million followers on X, reported that the pope celebrated Mass in a hospital room alongside off-duty medical staff and members of the Vatican Gendarmerie. The network noted that the appearance comes as he continues his recovery.
CBS News, which has 9.8 million followers, reported that the photos show the pope standing at an altar in green vestments at a makeshift chapel in Gemelli Hospital. The network noted that the 71-year-old pope had a portion of his right lung removed and received a diagnosis of lung cancer earlier in the week.
ABC News, which has 18.6 million followers, reported that the Vatican released the pictures showing the pope celebrating Mass with medical staff in the clinic where he is being treated.
One America News, which has 2.3 million followers, reported that the Vatican released images of the pope celebrating Mass at Gemelli Hospital on Friday following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The network also noted that the pope thanked doctors, nurses, and medical staff for their continued care.
Reuters, which has 26.4 million followers, reported that patients and healthcare staff at Rome's Gemelli Hospital sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery to the pope as he continued treatment for lung cancer following surgery.
In a video posted by Reuters, a speaker at the hospital described the facility as a place of excellence. The speaker, whose words were translated from Italian, said that the pope's experience could show that this kind of surgery is useful for those who need it. The English translation provided by Reuters reads: "This kind of surgery is useful for those who need it. It's a speed of excellence and it should be like this for everyone. I love this, I mean it."
The Vatican's own statement, as reported by CBS News and other outlets, provided additional details about the pope's recovery. According to the statement, the pope resumed "a little bit of work activity" on Thursday, including reading documents, and co-celebrated Mass. He also met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state.
A medical update signed by the pope's personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, stated that "his post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own."
The Vatican also said the pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone on Friday, during which he "expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky" in Ukraine. The pope called for a ceasefire to allow for food and medical assistance to be distributed in 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 held separate meetings with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome.
The Vatican said the pope will make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer. Past popes who have been hospitalized have recited the Angelus from the balcony on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. The National Catholic Register reported that Vatican sources indicated the pope will publicly lead the Angelus this Sunday, although it has not yet been determined whether it will be from the hospital or the Vatican.
The Independent reported that the Vatican confirmed the pope would make his first public appearance on Sunday. The outlet also noted that the photos were the first since his surgery and cancer diagnosis.
World En.tempo.co reported that the Vatican says the pope is recovering from lung surgery, with photos showing him celebrating Mass unaided at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
ABC News, in a separate report, noted that the pope has been walking and following his regular diet as he recovers from surgery.
The release of the photographs and the Vatican's statements have prompted reactions from across the spectrum of media and the public. The images were shared widely, with outlets emphasizing different aspects of the story. Fox News focused on the pope's celebration of Mass with off-duty medical staff and Vatican Gendarmerie. CBS News highlighted the pope's green vestments and the makeshift chapel setting. ABC News emphasized the pope's celebration with medical staff in the clinic. One America News provided details about the surgery to remove the lower lobe of the right lung and the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
The well-wishes from patients and staff at Gemelli Hospital, as reported by Reuters, reflect the broader reaction to the pope's condition. The hospital, known for treating popes, has been a focal point for prayers and messages of support.
Next News Network could not independently verify the details of the pope's medical condition or the specifics of the Vatican's statements.
The Vatican's release of the photos marks a significant moment in the pope's recovery, offering the public a first glimpse of him since his surgery. The images show him standing and celebrating Mass, which his doctors say indicates that his post-operative recovery is progressing well.
The pope's telephone call with President Putin underscores the Vatican's continued engagement in international affairs, even as the pontiff recovers from major surgery. The call focused on the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, Ukraine, and the need for a ceasefire to allow aid to reach civilians.
The pope's meetings with Cardinal Tagle and Cardinal Reina suggest that he is resuming some of his administrative duties, even while hospitalized. The Vatican has not provided a timeline for his full return to public duties, but the announcement of his Sunday Angelus appearance indicates that he is preparing to re-engage with the faithful.
The reaction to the photos has been largely positive, with many expressing relief that the pope appears to be recovering. However, some have raised questions about the severity of his condition and the long-term implications of his cancer diagnosis. The Vatican has not released detailed medical records, and the full extent of the pope's illness remains unclear.
The pope's decision to celebrate Mass alone, without co-celebrants, may reflect the need to limit his exposure to others during his recovery. The distribution of Communion to medical personnel and gendarmes indicates that he is able to perform his pastoral duties, albeit in a limited capacity.
The Vatican's communications strategy, releasing photos and statements while the pope is hospitalized, aims to balance transparency with privacy. The images serve to reassure the public while respecting the pope's need for rest and recovery.
The pope's American background has drawn particular interest from U.S. media, with outlets noting his origins. The pope, born in the United States, has been a subject of fascination for American Catholics and the broader public.
The coming days will likely bring further updates on the pope's condition and his recovery. The Sunday Angelus will be a key moment, as it will be the first time the public will see and hear from the pope since his surgery. The location of the Angelus, whether from the hospital or the Vatican, will depend on his health and his doctors' recommendations.
Our Take
The Vatican's release of Pope Leo's first post-surgery photos is a masterclass in strategic communication, but it also raises questions about the transparency we should expect from the Holy See. While the images of the pope celebrating Mass are reassuring, they do not provide a full picture of his condition. The Vatican's claim that his recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities is encouraging, but it is not independently verified. Conservatives should welcome the pope's apparent progress, but we should also insist on full disclosure. The pope's health is a matter of global significance, and the faithful deserve more than carefully curated photos. Moreover, the pope's phone call with Vladimir Putin, while framed as a humanitarian gesture, is a reminder that the Vatican continues to engage with authoritarian regimes. We should support the pope's calls for peace and aid, but we must also hold the Kremlin accountable for its aggression. Finally, the media's reaction to this story shows once again that the legacy press is more interested in imagery than in substance. The pope's recovery is good news, but it does not excuse the Vatican's lack of transparency or the media's failure to ask tough questions.
