Pope Leo Appears in New Photos Following Medical Treatment
Pope Leo XIV has appeared in new photographs after having successful lung surgery in Rome. Doctors removed part of his right lung to treat a cancerous nodule. The 71-year-old leader celebrated a special service to thank his medical team. From his hospital room, he also telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin to ask for help with aid and a ceasefire in an occupied Ukrainian city.
The Vatican has shared the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV following his recent lung surgery. The 71-year-old leader was diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors completed a successful operation to remove a growth at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The American-born pontiff spent a calm night resting and has shown steady improvement. Medical staff removed the entire lower section of his right lung during the procedure, and recent tests confirm that his recovery is moving forward well.
In the official images, Pope Leo appears in religious garments beside a temporary table used for worship on the tenth floor of the medical center. He led a religious service to express his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who have supported him. Hospital officials expect him to remain in their care for about one week as he recovers from the operation.
Even while staying in the hospital, the Catholic leader has continued his international duties. He recently called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During the call, the Pope requested an immediate end to fighting in the occupied city of Oleshky, where thousands of residents currently lack access to basic food and drinking water. Vatican officials hope this conversation will lead to real progress on the ground.
Russian government representatives confirmed the discussion and noted that both sides agreed to cooperate on aid efforts. United Nations officials have also called for urgent assistance to help the local population in the area. Pope Leo originally informed the public about his upcoming procedure during his regular Sunday address in St. Peter's Square, explaining that medical specialists had detected a small nodule early. Doctors later verified that the growth was cancerous, but they remain positive about his overall recovery path.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
Where was the surgery performed on Pope Leo?
Present Perfect Simple for Recent Events
The present perfect simple connects past actions or events with the present time, showing that a past action has immediate relevance now.
“The Vatican has shared the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV following his recent lung surgery.”
What to know · B1
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: Discussing recent personal news or recovery progress with a coworker
- 01“show steady improvement”
- 02“express gratitude to”
- 03“confirm that recovery is moving forward”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
A polite way to describe showing appreciation.
He wished to express his gratitude to all his supporters.
Standard vocabulary for describing hospital stays.
She will remain in their care until next week.
Commonly used in news to talk about humanitarian needs.
Many families in the region lack access to basic food.
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Why is it important for public leaders to share updates about their health?
Opinion - 2
How do religious leaders influence political conversations during international conflicts?
Evaluate
News sourced from: BBC Health →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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