Pope Leo is eating, celebrating Mass and walking after cancer surgery, but trip is in question10/15/2026ROME (AP) — The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Mass in a special room set up for him at the hospital after cancer surgery. The Vatican says Leo celebrated along with his secretaries on Wednesday afternoon. Doctors say Leo is eating regularly and has begun walking and doing respiratory exercises, and his post-operative tests are normal following surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed he has cancer. Wednesday's announcement offered further evidence that this pope is taking a new approach to communicating about his health. His doctors say Leo's recovery is proceeding as planned.