BREAKING News Pope Leo XIV's Health Improving on 4th Day in Hospital - Vatican Releases 1st Photo of the Pope Celebrating Mass Post Surgery

 Pope Leo XIV Continues Steady Recovery Following Surgery

Medical updates from the Vatican confirm that Pope Leo XIV is making steady progress on his fourth day in the hospital. According to a statement released Friday afternoon by the Holy See Press Office, recent blood tests and a chest X-ray showed positive overall improvements in the Pontiff's condition. At 12:00 PM today, October 16, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass in the room set up on the 10th floor of the Gemelli Hospital.

UPDATE: The Holy See Press Office said separately that Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at noon in the room set up on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, noting that he distributed Communion. Several members of Gemelli's medical and nursing staff attended the Mass, along with members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps. 
"In his homily, the Pope thanked all the staff—doctors, nurses, and orderlies—for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty, and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him," read a statement.
The Holy See Press Office said the Sunday noon-day Angelus, normally led by the Pope, "will take place."

His medical team, led by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, noted that the Pope is continuing respiratory physiotherapy. They added that his recovery has progressed well enough for him to carry out his daily activities completely independently.

Update: Pope Leo XIV Making Steady Postoperative Progress

• Overall Condition: Doctors confirm "steady improvement" following recent morning blood tests and a chest X-ray.

• Rehabilitation: The Pontiff is continuing with routine respiratory physiotherapy sessions.

• Independence: His recovery is moving along well, allowing him to handle daily activities fully on his own.

• Hospital Day: Day 4 following surgery.