Pope Leo thanks staff at Mass in Gemelli Hospital

The Pope had resumed his regular work on Thursday, receiving a visit from Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, his sostituto or chief of staff at the Secretariat of State.

Pope Leo celebrated Mass in hospital as he continued his recovery from an operation to remove a growth in his lung.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office on Friday said he celebrated Mass at noon in an adapted room on the tenth floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, attended by off-duty medical and nursing staff and members of the Vatican City State gendarmerie.

“In his homily, the Pope thanked all the staff – doctors, nurses, porters – for the work they do every day to care for the sick and their infirmities, and, in particular, for all they have done and continue to do for him,” the statement said.

The Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni also said that the Pope would lead the Angelus on Sunday. Since Leo was due to remain in hospital until early next week, it is expected to take place at the Gemelli.

Earlier on Friday, the Holy See had published a statement from Dr Luigi Carbone, the Vatican’s chief medical officer, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who performed surgery to remove the lower part of the Pope’s lung on Tuesday.

“This morning the Holy Father underwent blood tests and chest X-rays that confirmed the continued improvement in his general condition,” it said.

“The respiratory physiotherapy sessions have continued. His post-operative recovery allows him to go about his normal daily activities completely independently.”

The Holy See had reported that the Pope concelebrated Mass on Wednesday and Thursday, but the photographs of the Mass on Friday were the first published images of him since his surgery. During the operation, doctors diagnosed him with a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.

On Thursday, a statement from Dr Carbone and Professor Margaritora had reported that tests showed “a good response to the lung operation” and said the Pope had performed “comprehensive physical activities” in his physiotherapy sessions.

Leo also resumed his regular work that day, receiving a visit from Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, his sostituto or chief of staff at the Secretariat of State. The Holy See has continued to announce the appointment of bishops while the Pope has been in hospital.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin suggested Leo may make “adjustments” to his plans after he leaves hospital.

“I am still worried because I am very sorry about what has happened,” he said. “But I believe the information provided by the medical bulletins and so I still hope that this situation can be resolved as soon as possible.”

Parolin continued: “Now it remains to be seen when he will return, under what circumstances he will return, and what the doctors say. Based on all these factors the Pope will readjust his pontificate, if it needs readjusting.”

He said Leo would take medical advice about his planned visit to Latin America on 6-17 November and whether “he can face such a long and demanding journey”.

“I imagine that if all is well, if the situation develops as they predicted at the start, the journey will go ahead,” he said.

Vatican confirms Pope’s Latin America travel plans despite operation

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