Pope Leo XIV is continuing to recover following surgery to remove part of his right lung, with medical tests confirming improvement in his condition and doctors reporting that he can now manage his normal daily activities independently.

A medical update signed by Leo’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, described the 71-year-old pontiff’s recovery as progressing well. Leo also celebrated Mass and distributed Communion Friday in a special chapel established for him inside the hospital, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a suspected cancerous nodule. The operation confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The Vatican announced Friday that Leo intends to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer at noon Sunday, marking his first public appearance since the surgery. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he will speak from the hospital or another location. Vatican media personnel were seen installing cables at Gemelli for a possible live broadcast.

The Sunday prayer has traditionally served as an opportunity for Catholics around the world to see and hear from a hospitalized pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said an appearance from the hospital remained a possibility, depending on Leo’s recovery.

Questions remain about how the diagnosis could affect the pope’s schedule and the future direction of his pontificate. Parolin said Thursday that the Vatican could not yet predict when Leo would return to his normal duties or under what circumstances. He added that the pope could adjust his responsibilities if necessary, depending on medical advice and his recovery.

Doctors are still awaiting test results that will clarify the cancer’s molecular and genetic characteristics, whether it spread beyond the removed portion of the lung, and whether additional treatment will be needed.

The Vatican has also continued preparations for Leo’s planned November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Officials published the names of journalists accredited to travel aboard the papal plane, suggesting preparations remain underway. However, the trip has not been guaranteed, and the Vatican could change the schedule depending on the pope’s health.

Meanwhile, the Vatican released photographs Friday of get-well messages sent to Leo by patients in Gemelli Hospital’s pediatric oncology ward. The children shared prayers and words of encouragement as they underwent treatment themselves.

Angelo, a seven-year-old patient who said he had been on the ward’s 10th floor for 36 days, wrote that he and his mother prayed for the pope every night. Giorgia, a university-aged student, wrote to Leo in English, describing how news of his illness made her feel closer to him because they were facing similar circumstances. She asked him to pray for her recovery as well.

The messages offered a personal glimpse into the support surrounding Leo as he continues recovering and awaits further medical results