The Vatican on Friday (October 16) released the first images of Pope Leo after undergoing surgery for lung cancer this week, showing the pontiff standing on his own and celebrating Mass during his recovery.

The pope is showing steady improvement in hospital after Tuesday's (October 13) surgery, the Vatican said, adding that he is now able to do normal daily activities with full autonomy.

The pontiff will make his first public appearance since his hospitalization on Sunday (October 18) to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer, while preparations continue for his planned November trip to South America, the Vatican said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Vatican releases first images of pope since lung cancer surgery

VIDEO SHOWS: FIRST IMAGES OF POPE LEO SINCE SURGERY

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: ROME, ITALY (OCTOBER 16, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all) (MUTE)

1. VARIOUS OF FIRST IMAGES OF POPE LEO SINCE SURGERY / POPE CELEBRATING MASS INSIDE GEMELLI HOSPITAL