Pope Pictured for First Time Since Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Francis was pictured for the first time since undergoing lung cancer surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with the Vatican releasing images as he led Mass from hospital. He is said to be showing continued improvement.

Coverage from 2 publishers 2 source reports

BBCSky

Pope pictured for first time since cancer surgery as he leads mass from hospital

Update summary

What changed in this update

The Pope is said to be showing "continued improvement" as the first images of him were released following his lung cancer surgery.

Event intelligence

Pope Leo XIV lung cancer diagnosis and surgery

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Current state

Pope Leo XIV has been discharged after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung for localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma; his doctors say no further cancer treatment is needed and he is gradually resuming his duties.

Grounded in 5 reports across 5 sources

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In this event Pope Leo will not need further cancer treatment — Vatican Earlier coverage Pope Leo to resume Vatican audiences after cancer surgery Earlier coverage What to Know About Pope Leo's Lung Cancer Diagnosis Earlier coverage Pope Leo cancels all public events ahead of lung surgery Earlier coverage Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove nodule on his lung Earlier coverage

Source coverage

Source reports

BBC Published 16 October 2026

Pope pictured for first time since surgery and cancer diagnosis

The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer after having surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday.

Sky Published 16 October 2026

Pope pictured for first time since cancer surgery as he leads mass from hospital

The Pope is said to be showing "continued improvement" as the first images of him were released following his lung cancer surgery.

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