Pope Leo XIV returns to public general audience after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to St Peter's Square on Wednesday to hold his first general audience since undergoing lung cancer surgery eight days ago, the Irish Examiner and RTÉ both reported. The 71 year old pontiff rode through the square in an open-air popemobile, waving, smiling, and stopping to speak with pilgrims and bless babies. [1][2]

The Irish Examiner and RTÉ both reported that Pope Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery on October 13. The pontiff stood in the back of his vehicle as it moved through the crowd. On Sunday, he had pledged to slowly resume his duties as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. [1][2]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Pope Leo underwent the procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to treat lung cancer before being discharged on Saturday. He led the traditional Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace after his release and told the public he would resume his work gradually. [10][11]

Pope Leo XIV serves as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, Wikipedia notes. Related coverage from Agencia Andina added that a Vatican mission is scheduled to arrive in Lima to finalize details for an upcoming papal visit to Peru. [3][9]