Pope Leo XIV is making steady progress following lung cancer surgery earlier this week and is set to make his first public appearance since the operation on Sunday, the Vatican has announced.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent an operation to remove part of his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

His doctors said in a medical update on Friday that he is now able to "carry out normal daily activities with full independence." A blood test and chest X-ray earlier in the day confirmed his "steady improvement."

The Vatican also released the first images of Leo since his surgery, showing him celebrating mass and standing unaided in the hospital where he is recovering.

Leo is expected to deliver a traditional noontime prayer on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since the operation.

The Vatican has not said when the pontiff might be discharged from hospital, but previously indicated his recovery would take about a week.

His doctors have confirmed the surgery was completed successfully and without complications. They have not yet disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes, key factors in determining prognosis.

Leo's cancer diagnosis came as a shock to many. The pope, known for his energy, was elected only in May 2025.

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, seen as a close ally of Leo, said he had been shocked by the news. He told Catholic magazine America that he believed Leo had "downplayed" his health issue on Sunday, when the pope announced he needed surgery for what he described as a small, well-contained growth on his lung.

"When I heard they took out part of the lobe of the lung and that it was malignant, that was more shocking and more concerning," Cupich said. "I think people are very concerned and even worried about this but hoping for the best."

Despite his hospitalisation, Leo continued to work from the hospital on Friday. He spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he pushed for a ceasefire to allow aid and food into the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, according to the Vatican.

Preparations are also continuing for Leo's planned trip to South America, scheduled from November 6 to 17, covering Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori had previously speculated the trip might need to be delayed, but the Vatican released a list of journalists accredited to cover the visit, signalling that planning is proceeding as normal.

"Work on the trip is going forward," a Vatican spokesman said.