According to The Los Angeles Times, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that the 71-year-old pontiff presided alone over the liturgy, distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes present in the room, and delivered a short homily. In his remarks, Pope Leo thanked hospital staff for their daily care of vulnerable patients and for the specific attention given to him during his hospitalization.
Medical Status and Recovery Milestones
The formal medical update was signed by the pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, Dr. Stefano Margaritora. The bulletin stated that the pontiff’s post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities completely on his own.
Pope Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on October 13 after diagnostic scans identified a suspected nodule. Subsequent pathology confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of the disease. Physicians are still awaiting comprehensive test results to determine the precise molecular and genetic makeup of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread beyond the removed lobe.
Trip Preparations and Vatican Logistics
Even as medical evaluations continue, organizational preparations are moving forward for the pope’s scheduled November 6–17 apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. NBC News reported that the Vatican published an official list of journalists accredited to travel on the papal aircraft. While Vatican officials emphasized that the itinerary remains subject to health-related changes, the release of the media roster signals that planning is proceeding on schedule.
Meanwhile, Vatican personnel were spotted at Gemelli Hospital preparing broadcast equipment for the upcoming Sunday noontime Angelus prayer. Officials have not yet clarified whether the pope will deliver the traditional address from his hospital floor or after returning to the Vatican.
Well-Wishes and Global Response
Amid institutional planning, the Vatican also released photographs of get-well messages sent to the pontiff by patients in the hospital’s pediatric oncology ward on the 10th floor. Among them was a note from 7-year-old Angelo, who wrote that he and his mother pray for the pope every night. Another message came from a university student named Giorgia, who expressed solidarity as she undergoes parallel medical treatment.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, told reporters on Friday that officials are encouraged by the pope’s progress. Commenting on earlier remarks regarding potential adjustments to papal travel and responsibilities, Parolin clarified that any modifications would be based strictly on ongoing health assessments.