Pope Leo XIV will hold his Wednesday General Audience as he continues recovering at the Vatican from lung cancer surgery, though he will skip his usual stay at Castel Gandolfo to rest.
The 71-year-old pontiff is continuing his post-operative recovery in the Apostolic Palace following successful surgery for pulmonary adenocarcinoma on October 13, according to reports. He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 17. On Sunday, October 18, the Pope greeted 15,000 well-wishers in St. Peter’s Square from his window.
Wednesday audience confirmed
The Wednesday General Audience on October 21 in St. Peter’s Square is officially confirmed, though details regarding a popemobile tour remain unannounced, according to reports. The Pontiff will forgo his usual early-week stay at Castel Gandolfo to rest at the Vatican. His primary surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, estimates a total recovery timeline of about ten days.
Doctors said October 15 tests showed “good recovery of the operated lung” two days after surgery, with normal results and a full range of motor activities in physical therapy, according to reports. The Pope has resumed normal work activities and celebrated Mass in the hospital chapel. The tumour was discovered by chance during routine abdominal scans, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings, according to the surgeon.
Looking ahead
Further details on upcoming events, including a planned visit to Assisi on October 27 for the Sant’Egidio Community’s peace event, will be released by the Holy See Press Office in the coming days, according to reports. Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope when elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. His recovery has drawn prayers and messages of support from Catholics and world leaders worldwide. The Vatican has emphasized that the diagnosis was caught at a very early stage, offering hope for a complete recovery.
