VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has returned to St Peter’s Square in the Vatican’s open-air popemobile for the first time since undergoing surgery for lung cancer, marking another step in his gradual return to public duties.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared before pilgrims on Wednesday, October 21, waving to the crowds, smiling and stopping to greet people as he travelled through the square during his weekly general audience.
The appearance came eight days after he underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation took place on October 13, and the pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 17.
Wednesday’s gathering was Pope Leo’s first general audience since the procedure. He delivered a sermon in Italian during the approximately 50-minute event.
Pope Leo Thanks Faithful for Their Prayers
In his opening remarks, the pope thanked people for the support and prayers he had received during his treatment and recovery.
“Thanks be to God for his generosity,” he said, according to Reuters, as cheers broke out among those gathered in St Peter’s Square.
Although he did not directly discuss his health during the audience, his return to the popemobile allowed him to resume a familiar part of his public ministry: greeting pilgrims at close range during the Vatican’s weekly gathering.
The pope had previously appeared at a window of the Apostolic Palace on October 18, thanking supporters and saying he would gradually resume his activities.
What Is Known About the Pope’s Health?
Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, after doctors identified a nodule in his lung. The October 13 operation removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Doctors have said the surgery was completed successfully and without complications. However, details about the tumour and whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes have not been fully disclosed in the reports available.
The Vatican has indicated that the pope will continue recovering while gradually returning to his responsibilities. His public appearance should not, by itself, be taken as confirmation that his recovery is complete.
Will Pope Leo Travel to South America in November?
The pope is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip would involve several international journeys and a demanding programme of public engagements.
However, uncertainty remains over whether the itinerary will proceed as originally planned. Reuters reported that the Vatican had not confirmed the pope’s schedule beyond Wednesday’s audience, while his recovery may influence the pace of his upcoming activities.
His medical team has expressed optimism about his recovery, but further decisions will depend on his condition and the Vatican’s assessment of his schedule.
A Gradual Return to Public Duties
Pope Leo’s appearance in the popemobile represents a return to a visible tradition of the papacy following a period of hospital treatment and recovery.
For now, the Vatican’s approach remains gradual, with attention focused on his recovery and the continuation of his duties. Further updates are expected to clarify his schedule in the coming days.