Pope Leo XIV Shows Steady Improvement, Celebrates Mass for Gemelli Hospital Staff

Vatican City, 16 October 2026: Pope Leo XIV continues to show steady improvement in his postoperative recovery, with blood tests and a chest X-ray confirming progress, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Pope’s doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, said on Friday that the results of the medical tests confirmed “the steady improvement in his overall condition”.

The doctors added that respiratory physiotherapy sessions continued and that the Pope’s recovery now allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently.

On Friday, Pope Leo XIV also celebrated Mass at noon in a room set up on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. He distributed Communion during the celebration.

Several members of the hospital’s medical and nursing staff attended the Mass, along with members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps.

During his homily, the Pope thanked the doctors, nurses and orderlies for their daily work in caring for patients experiencing frailty. He also expressed gratitude for the care they had provided and continued to provide during his hospital stay, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Press Office further confirmed that the Sunday Angelus, normally led by the Pope at noon, would take place.

Courtesy: Vatican News