Pope Leo Holds First General Audience Since Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday held his first weekly general audience at the Vatican since undergoing surgery for lung cancer, marking another step in his gradual return to public duties following his hospitalisation.

The 71-year-old pontiff met pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on October 21, eight days after undergoing an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

The surgery, performed on October 13, followed the discovery of a localised lung nodule. Subsequent examinations confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Further medical assessments are expected to help determine whether additional treatment will be required.

The general audience is one of the Pope’s regular weekly engagements, during which he addresses pilgrims, delivers a religious reflection and greets visitors from different parts of the world.

His appearance follows his discharge from hospital on October 17, after doctors confirmed that his condition had improved sufficiently for him to return to the Vatican.

On Sunday, October 18, Pope Leo made his first major public appearance since the operation, addressing thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square from a window of the Apostolic Palace.

During that appearance, he thanked those who had prayed for him and expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who cared for him during his hospital stay.

The Pope also said he would gradually resume his activities, acknowledging that his recovery would require continued care.

His return to the weekly audience represents a further step towards restoring his normal schedule, although the Vatican has indicated that his activities would be adjusted to accommodate his recovery.

The health of the American-born pontiff, who was elected head of the Catholic Church in May 2025, has attracted international attention following the cancer diagnosis.

The Vatican has continued to provide updates on his condition, while church leaders and Catholics around the world have expressed support and offered prayers for his recovery.

Attention is also turning to the Pope’s planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Vatican officials have said his schedule may be adjusted depending on his health and medical advice.

For now, his return to the general audience offers a significant indication of his continued resumption of public responsibilities as he recovers from surgery.