Pope Leo XIV is seen celebrating mass in hospital for the first time since his lung cancer surgery on Tuesday

The Vatican has released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since his operation, showing the 71-year-old American pontiff saying mass and distributing Communion at a chapel established within Rome's Gemelli hospital — just three days after surgeons operated on his lung. His personal physician Dr Luigi Carbone and thoracic surgeon Dr Stefano Margaritora confirmed "continued improvement," adding that Leo has regained enough strength to manage his daily activities entirely without assistance.

The 90-minute keyhole lobectomy, which removed the right lung's lower lobe, confirmed that Leo has adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer and the most frequently diagnosed type.

Vatican media crews were spotted laying cables at Gemelli for a possible live broadcast of Sunday's traditional Angelus prayer — a sign that a public appearance is reportedly being actively planned.

The Vatican also published a list of journalists accredited to fly with Leo on his November 6-17 tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, signalling the trip is still going ahead.