Pope Leo XIV to lead General Audience after lung surgery
A Return to St. Peter’s Square
Pope Leo XIV is set to lead the weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning, marking his return to public appearances following surgery to remove a lung adenocarcinoma.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation on October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. After a five-day stay, he was discharged on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Just a day later, he appeared at the window of the Vatican Apostolic Residence to greet roughly 15,000 pilgrims gathered for the Angelus prayer, speaking with a firm and clear voice. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square shouted and loudly applauded when the Pope first appeared at the window on Sunday, with one Catholic nun kneeling and crying while covering her face with her hands, and a group of other nuns holding up a banner reading: Our best wishes, Holy Father. We love you and we are praying for you.
Breaking Routine for Recovery
Elected in May 2025, Leo XIV is the youngest pope of the last few decades. His diagnosis initially sparked shock. During his Sunday appearance, the pontiff expressed gratitude for worldwide prayers and announced plans for a gradual return to his normal duties, stating: Having overcome this delicate phase… I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.
He also thanked the thousands of faithful present in St. Peter’s Square for the prayers they made while he was hospitalized, adding: I really felt your support.
Breaking from his usual routine since the start of his pontificate, the Pope skipped his traditional Monday-through-Tuesday stay at his residence in Castel Gandolfo. He instead remains inside the Vatican to continue his recovery. Surgeon Stefano Margaritora estimates this healing period could last about ten days. Vatican News confirmed Wednesday’s General Audience remains on the schedule, though authorities have not yet clarified whether Leo will use the popemobile to tour the crowd.
Uncertainty Ahead for International Travel
Uncertainty hangs over the Pope’s upcoming international travel itinerary. Leo currently plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17, 2026, marking one of the most intense trips organized for a Catholic leader in decades.
While Dr.
No official decision has been reached regarding a scheduled November 27 visit to Assisi. There, Leo is expected to close the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” event organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio to mark the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi.
The Holy See’s Press Office announced that further updates concerning the pontiff’s schedule and activities will be released in the coming days.