Pope Leo Returns to Popemobile After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo returned to St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday for his first general audience since his lung surgery on October 13th. The 71-year-old pontiff drove around the Vatican Square in an open-air popemobile, greeting pilgrims, waving to the audience, and blessing babies.

Eight days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, he appeared at a public event. Leo has lung adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of lung cancer.

The pope stated on Sunday that he would gradually resume his duties as head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. His attendance on Wednesday followed the news, though the Vatican has yet to clarify his agenda beyond the audience.

Pope Leo Returns to Public Duties After Surgery

Pilgrims started gathering in St. Peter’s Square many hours before the audience began at 9:45 a.m. local time. Despite the light drizzle and cloudy skies, throngs gathered to see the pope as he drove across the square in his car.

Before giving his sermon in Italian, Leo smiled and waved at the crowd. The audience lasted around 50 minutes and followed the customary structure, with one noticeable exception: the pope issued brief greetings in seven additional languages instead of the nine used previously.

Leo thanked the audience for their support and prayers in his introductory remarks, but did not mention his physical situation directly.

“The first thing I want to say to you is thank you for your support and prayers,” he told the audience. He also thanked God and asked the assembly to reaffirm its faith in divine compassion and mercy.

Cheers rang out across the square as the pope spoke clearly. He had not made a public appearance since October 7.

Leo was elected pope in May 2025, therefore his latest cancer diagnosis raises serious concerns about his papacy’s future. However, the Vatican has not revealed any specific modifications to his responsibilities beyond the gradual return to duty he mentioned on Sunday.

Pope Leo’s Recovery and Upcoming Trip Remain Uncertain

Doctors have stated that the operation was conducted smoothly and without difficulties. However, they have not revealed the size of the tumour or whether the malignancy has spread to neighbouring lymph nodes. Both details are significant in determining the disease’s prognosis.

The Vatican has also not released a definitive schedule for the pope following Wednesday’s audience. As a result, his return to the square leaves it unclear whether he will restart all of his planned activities at the same speed.

One important item on his calendar is a tour to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip is anticipated to be one of the most intense trips organised for a Catholic leader in decades, but it is unclear whether it will go on as planned.

The pope’s chief surgeon has stated that Leo could fully recuperate in time for the visit. However, the Vatican’s secretary of state has stated that changes to the pope’s itinerary may be required to aid his rehabilitation.

Leo has resumed public engagements upon his return to the Vatican’s general audience. His medical condition and the status of his November trip remain unknown, as the Vatican has not to announce his schedule after Wednesday.