Pope Leo XIV holds first weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square since lung cancer surgery

ROME — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday held his first weekly audience with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square after spending a week in the hospital to have a lobe removed from his lung.

Doctors declared the pope had cancer, but said they are optimistic because it was caught in an early stage.

Leo returned to the Vatican on Sunday after five days in the hospital and has resumed his papal duties.

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He interacted with the crowds, touring St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and greeting babies handed up to him by parents in the crowd.

When he reached the altar area, the pope thanked the faithful for their prayers during his recovery.

“Thank you for the support of your prayers. Thanks to God for his generosity,” Leo said.

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