Pope Leo XIV resumes meetings with the faithful after surgery and thanks them for prayers

Around 30,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV, despite rain and unfavorable weather. The Holy Father led his first general audience after lung surgery and expressed gratitude for prayers and support, announcing that he will gradually return to his activities.

The Pope, smiling and in good condition, crossed the Vatican square in the white popemobile while greeting pilgrims who had come to welcome him. Along the way, he stopped near children and blessed them, as the crowd applauded.

The Vatican press office announced that about 30,000 faithful took part in the general audience, including cardinals and bishops.

“The first thing I want to tell you is thank you for your support through your prayers. We thank God for his generosity. Let us all renew our faith in God’s goodness and mercy,” Leo XIV said at the start of the audience.

The Pope, 71, underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

After leaving Gemelli hospital in Rome, he had announced that he would return to his commitments step by step. Wednesday’s audience was the first since October 7 and was held according to the usual program.