[Pope Leo XIV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis), aged 71, was photographed celebrating Mass on Friday at Rome’s [Gemelli Hospital](https://www.policlinicogemelli.it/) after undergoing lung surgery that removed a cancerous lobe, confirming his recovery was progressing well. The images, the first released by the Vatican since the operation, show the pontiff in green vestments standing before a makeshift altar on the hospital’s tenth floor, surrounded by medical staff.
**What was the medical procedure?**
On Tuesday doctors performed an operation that excised the entire lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. The Vatican press office reported that the surgery was completed without complications and was deemed successful.
**How is the Pope’s health progressing?**
Doctors said tests on Friday indicated a steady improvement in his overall condition and a chest X‑ray showed good recovery of the operated lung. The Vatican identified the disease as lung adenocarcinoma, confirming that the previously detected nodule was malignant. The pontiff showed no signs of infection before the procedure, awoke normally after surgery, and spent a calm night in his hospital room. The press office added, "He thanked the medical and nursing staff for their dedicated service."
**What diplomatic action did the Pope take?**
Later that day, Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with [Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin), urging a ceasefire in the Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, where residents have been cut off from food and water. Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed hope that the call would help implement the Pope’s request. While the Kremlin did not explicitly mention a ceasefire, it affirmed support for the Vatican’s aim to assist the town’s population and organise essential supplies. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, [Volker Türk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volker_T%C3%BCrk), has also called for urgent action to address the desperate situation in Oleshky.