Pope pictured for first time since surgery and cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV has been pictured celebrating Mass in hospital for the first time since surgery to remove part of his right lung. The Vatican said he thanked medical and nursing staff, while doctors reported steady improvement and a good recovery on a chest X-ray.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after tests confirmed that a lung nodule was cancerous, as pre-operative checks had suspected. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and the Vatican said the operation was successful and without complications; he is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.