Pope Leo shows steady improvement after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative recovery continued to show steady improvement on Friday, with blood tests and a chest X-ray confirming progress in his overall condition, reported Vatican News, the Holy See’s official press outlet.

The tests were done on Friday morning, day four of the pope’s hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to a statement from his doctors.

The doctors said respiratory physical therapy sessions had continued.

They added that the pope was able to carry out his normal daily activities entirely independently.

The pontiff, 70, underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a cancerous growth.