Pope continues 'steady improvement,' celebrates Mass for hospital staff

Pope at Mass today - Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

This afternoon, the Holy See Press Office released a statement from Pope Leo XIV's doctors, who said his postoperative recovery continues with steady improvement.

Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope "underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray this morning, which confirmed the steady improvement in his overall condition."

They added that "respiratory physiotherapy sessions have continued," noting that his "postoperative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently."

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 Angelus on Sunday, normally led by the Pope, "will take place."

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV met separately on Friday afternoon at Gemelli Hospital with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.