Pope Leo XIV celebrated a service at the hospital where he was admitted, for doctors and medical staff

Riana Gegiu

16 October 2026, 14:45

International

Foto: Facebook/ Papa León XIV

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Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on Friday at noon in a room set up on the tenth floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The Vatican announced that this was the first Mass celebrated by the pontiff during his current hospitalization.

Doctors, nurses and other medical staff who were off duty, as well as members of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State, attended the ceremony.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV thanked the doctors, nurses and support staff for the daily care they provide to patients, as well as for the support they have given him during his hospitalization. His message highlighted the role of medical staff in patients’ recovery.

Also on Friday, the Vatican Press Office published the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since his admission to Gemelli Hospital. The pontiff remains under medical supervision following surgery for lung cancer.

Context: Pope Leo XIV was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and underwent surgery for lung cancer

Pope Leo XIV was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for the removal of a pulmonary nodule discovered during routine medical checkups. The Vatican announced that audiences had been suspended until October 20, while recovery was estimated to take approximately one week, as the pontiff was planning an international visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

The surgery was announced as having been successful, and it was later specified that the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was carried out without complications. Doctors removed the lower lobe of the right lung, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Until further information was released, the Vatican indicated that the pontiff was recovering under medical supervision.