The Pope improves; Sunday's Angelus confirmed

Three days after his surgery, the Pope's doctors confirm that his recovery is continuing. And for Sunday 18 October there is confirmation: Leo XIV will recite the Angelus.

The new bulletin. In the early afternoon today, 16 October, after a morning with no statement, the Holy See Press Office released a note from Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora: "This morning, the Holy Father underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray, which confirmed the steady improvement in his overall condition. Respiratory physiotherapy sessions have continued. His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities with complete independence" (our translation; text).

A steady recovery. This is consistent with the previous days' statements. On 13 October the bulletin reported the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung in a "successful" operation without complications. On 15 October the doctors reported a "good recovery of the operated lung" and a post-operative course "proceeding regularly" (statement); that day the Pope concelebrated Mass on the tenth floor and received the Substitute, Paolo Rudelli. Today's key words are "steady improvement".

The 18 October Angelus: confirmed. Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni confirmed that the Pope will recite the Angelus on Sunday: "The Angelus will take place", without saying where. On 15 October Cardinal Pietro Parolin had said: "If he is better by the end of the week, I think he will lead the Angelus from the Gemelli" (our translation). On the place there is so far only an unconfirmed report: according to ANSA, technicians have already carried out an inspection ahead of an Angelus from the hospital's small balcony.

Today at the Gemelli. At noon the Pope celebrated Mass in the room set up on the tenth floor, attended by off-duty doctors and nurses and the Vatican Gendarmerie, and gave Communion. For the first time since his admission he presided rather than concelebrated, and afterwards he thanked the staff. According to Tv2000 the Pope is "in good spirits"; as Rai News reports, on Wednesday he watched Roma-Real Madrid on television. On the length of his stay, the Press Office says it remains as expected: "The doctors have not changed that timetable" (our translation). The first images of the Pope since his admission were released today.

What it means. Analysis. Confirmation of the Angelus, on the day the doctors speak of "steady improvement", is the clearest sign yet of a recovery that is consolidating. It will be the first time since the operation that the faithful hear, and perhaps see, the Pope, as happened with John Paul II and Francis during their hospital stays. But it is not the measure of his recovery, nor an indication of the timing of his discharge or of the November journey: every decision rests with the doctors and the Pope. The final histology results are also still awaited.

Vatican Report will follow every official update.