Pope Leo returned to St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, waving to pilgrims and blessing babies from his open-air popemobile. It was his first general audience at the Vatican since he underwent lung cancer surgery eight days ago.
The 71-year-old pontiff stood in the back of the vehicle as it drove through the square. He smiled, waved, and stopped to talk to pilgrims. On Sunday, he pledged that he would slowly resume his duties as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in an operation on October 13. He has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, which is the most common form of lung cancer.
This diagnosis for the youngest pope in decades, who was elected in May 2025, raised questions about the future shape of his papacy. Wednesday’s gathering was the first held by the pope since October 7.
Crowds began gathering hours ahead of the 9:45 a.m. Starting time under drizzling grey skies. The 50-minute event followed a normal format.
The pope addressed the crowds in his opening remarks without specifically mentioning his health. The first thing I want to say to you is thank you for the support and prayers, Leo told the assembly.
Thanks be to God for his generosity, the pope said in a clear voice as cheers broke out in the square. Let’s renew our trust in the goodness and mercy of God.
After touring the area, Leo offered a sermon in Italian. The only major change from previous occasions was that he delivered brief greetings in seven instead of nine other languages.
Doctors have said his surgery was completed successfully without complications. However, they have not yet disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are key factors in determining prognosis.
The Vatican has provided no indication of the pope’s schedule beyond Wednesday. Leo is due to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17 in one of the most intense trips arranged for a Catholic leader in decades.
It is unclear if that trip will go ahead as planned. Leo’s lead surgeon has stated the pope could be fully recovered in time for the journey, while the Vatican’s secretary of state has indicated he may need to adjust his schedule pace to aid recovery.
