Pope Leo appears in St. Peter’s Square after lung surgery
On Wednesday the pontiff addressed pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, delivering a short homily in Italian and greetings in seven languages. He thanked those who had prayed for him and thanked the medical staff who cared for him. The operation on his right lung removed the lower lobe and doctors have not released details about the tumor, while reporting no immediate complications. Vatican officials have not outlined a full schedule beyond the day, but the pope’s planned November visits to Uruguay, Peru and Argentina remain medically viable. The appearance marks his gradual return to public duties after the surgery earlier this week.
On Wednesday the pontiff addressed pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, delivering a short homily in Italian and greetings in seven languages. He thanked those who had prayed for him and thanked the medical staff who cared for him. The operation on his right lung removed the lower lobe and doctors have not released details about the tumor, while reporting no immediate complications.
Vatican officials have not outlined a full schedule beyond the day, but the pope’s planned November visits to Uruguay, Peru and Argentina remain medically viable. The appearance marks his gradual return to public duties after the surgery earlier this week.
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Why it matters
The pope’s return to public duties signals the continuity of leadership for the Catholic Church and the prospect of an upcoming Latin‑American pilgrimage.
How this story developed
- Oct 14 Pope Leo XIV recovers steadily after lung surgery
- Oct 14 A new Vatican bulletin confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer and outlined his recovery steps.
- Oct 15 Routine check-ups this morning returned normal findings as the Pope continues recovery.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV resumed work from his hospital room and continued physiotherapy.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital and a medical bulletin reported improvement in his condition.
- Oct 17 Pope Leo XIV is expected to recite the Angelus from the 10th-floor balcony of Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, with Italian police coordinating security.
- Oct 17 The Pope has moved from hospital care to discharge and will resume public duties.
- Oct 18 He left the hospital feeling well and cancelled audiences through Tuesday.
- Oct 18 He appeared at the Vatican window on Sunday delivering the Angelus after discharge.
- Oct 21 The pope led the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
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