Just eight days after lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV returned to the heart of Vatican life, greeting the faithful from an open-air popemobile as he held his first general audience in St Peter’s Square.
The 71-year-old pontiff — who said on Sunday that he would ease back into his responsibilities — stood at the rear of the vehicle as it rolled through the square, smiling, waving and pausing to speak with people along the route.
Pope Leo underwent surgery on 13 October to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
News of the diagnosis jolted many Catholics and observers, coming just months into the papacy of the youngest pope in decades, elected only in May 2025, and prompting questions about how his leadership might take shape.
Wednesday’s gathering marked the pope’s first audience since 7 October and proceeded largely as usual. Pilgrims and visitors started arriving well before the scheduled start, umbrellas dotting the square under a light drizzle and overcast skies.
The pontiff blesses a small child during his drive around St Peter’s Square
“The first thing I want to say to you is thank you for the support and prayers,” the pope said at the start of the 50-minute event, offering no direct reference to his condition.
“Thanks be to God for his generosity,” he continued in a steady voice, drawing cheers from those assembled. “Let’s renew our trust in the goodness and mercy of God.”
After circling the square, Pope Leo delivered a homily in Italian. The main departure from his earlier audiences came at the end, when he offered brief greetings in seven — rather than nine — additional languages.
Doctors treating the pope have said the operation was successful and free of complications. However, they have not disclosed the tumour’s size or whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes — two key details that help guide prognosis.
The Vatican has not signalled what the pope’s agenda will look like beyond today’s appearance.
Pope Leo is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November in what would be among the most demanding foreign trips planned for a Catholic leader in decades, though it is still uncertain whether it will proceed as arranged.
His lead surgeon has said he could be fully recovered in time for the journey, while the Vatican’s secretary of state has suggested the pope may need to slow the tempo of his schedule to support his recuperation.
