Pope Leo XIV Returns to St. Peter’s Square for First General Audience Following Lung Surgery
As reported by rte.ie, Pope Leo XIV came back to St. Peter’s Square, greeting onlookers from his open-air popemobile during his initial general audience at the Vatican following his lung cancer operation eight days prior. Standing in the rear of the vehicle, the 71-year-old pontiff—who made a commitment on Sunday to gradually pick back up his responsibilities—waved, smiled, and paused to converse with individuals as it moved across the square. Pope Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on October 13 and was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The diagnosis for the pontiff, elected in May 2025, caused shock and left the future of his papacy uncertain. Wednesday morning’s audience followed a normal format as crowds gathered hours ahead of the start time under drizzling grey skies.
Support and Prayers From the Crowds
The pontiff addressed the crowds during his opening remarks for the 50-minute event without specifically mentioning his health. “The first thing I want to say to you is thank you for the support and prayers,” Pope Leo told the audience.
Speaking in a clear voice as cheers broke out in the square, he added, “Thanks be to God for his generosity. Let’s renew our trust in the goodness and mercy of God.” After touring the square, he offered a sermon in Italian and gave brief greetings in seven languages instead of the usual nine.
Pope Leo Recovers at the Apostolic Palace
The Pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17, after spending five days recovering from the pulmonary adenocarcinoma surgery performed by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, according to Vatican News. Rather than traveling to his residence at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo remained at the Vatican to continue his post-operative recovery in the Apostolic Palace.
Dr. Margaritora stated that the initial recovery period should last around ten days. Doctors have confirmed the surgery was completed without complications, though they have not yet disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the disease spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of people in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, smiling and saying he would resume work “gradually” in his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery.The 71-year-old pope had part of his right lung removed in the surgery on… pic.twitter.com/4Tf4yihtay
Future Papal Travel Plans
The Vatican has provided no indication of the pope’s schedule beyond Wednesday, leaving upcoming travel plans uncertain. Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, marking one of the most intense trips arranged for a Catholic leader in decades. While his lead surgeon has expressed optimism that he could fully recover in time, the Vatican’s secretary of state indicated the pope may need to adjust his schedule’s pace. No official decision has been announced regarding whether the Pope will make his scheduled visit to Assisi on October 27 to conclude the "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" event.
More on Pope Leo
Pope’s first extended event 8 days after cancer op, Leo to hold the standard Wednesday Audience at 1000 Rome (3am Chicago); no indication which, if any, elements of the usual 2-hour en masse meet & greet will be curtailed due to his recovery.Livefeed: https://t.co/HUvxL6wy4a
This is a really sweet interview with the surgeon who operated on Pope Leo last week: https://t.co/eBhTBhLvpO
Worth a look