Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung, with medical officials reporting encouraging test results and renewed activity from the pontiff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Thursday.

The Pope’s postoperative tests have remained within normal ranges, and a chest X-ray showed good recovery of the operated lung, according to an update from his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital. Doctors said his recovery was progressing as expected.

Leo also completed physiotherapy involving full mobility exercises and was able to carry out his daily activities independently. The Vatican confirmed that he had resumed working from the hospital, reviewing documents and celebrating Mass for a second consecutive day with other priests in a special chapel near his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. The procedure confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

Medical officials are still awaiting additional test results to determine the cancer’s precise molecular characteristics, whether it has spread beyond the removed portion of the lung, and whether further treatment will be necessary.

Leo is expected to remain hospitalized until at least October 20. The Vatican has not announced any changes to his planned November trip to South America, scheduled for November 6-17, with stops in Peru, Uruguay and Argentina.

When asked about the trip, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni referred to the Pope’s remarks on Sunday, when Leo acknowledged the discovery of the nodule and his upcoming surgery. The pontiff had thanked those praying for his planned pastoral visit to Peru, but officials have yet to provide a definitive update on whether his recovery will affect the itinerary.