POPE'S GENERAL CONDITION IMPROVING

ROME, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ - The general health condition of Pope Leo XIV, 71, is improving following surgery for lung cancer, doctors at Rome's Gemelli Hospital said.

The Pope underwent further blood tests and a chest X-ray this morning, the statement added.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church has been in hospital since undergoing surgery on Tuesday, with an entire hospital wing reserved specifically for him.

He is receiving physiotherapy to help him breathe after the lower lobe of his right lung, where a malignant tumor was found, was removed.

According to doctors, the Pope is now able to carry out normal daily activities entirely on his own.

Vatican media have released images of the Pope celebrating Mass for medical staff on his fourth day in hospital.

It is not known whether the cancer was completely removed during the 90-minute operation.