Pope Leo to Hold General Audience on October 21 as Recovery Continues

Pope Leo XIV will continue his post-operative recovery at the Vatican this week instead of traveling to his residence in Castel Gandolfo and will hold his weekly General Audience on October 21, the Holy See Press Office announced, according to Vatican News.

The Pope is recovering in the Apostolic Palace following surgery for pulmonary adenocarcinoma on October 13. He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 17 after five days in hospital.

On October 18, the Pope appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace to greet the 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to welcome him and express their affection and support.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Wednesday General Audience will take place in St. Peter’s Square. No further details have been provided on whether the Pope will make his customary tour among the crowds in the popemobile.

Pope Leo will remain at the Vatican this week rather than travel to Castel Gandolfo, where he usually spends Mondays and remains until Tuesday evening.

According to his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, who performed the operation and spoke to Vatican News on October 17, the recovery period should last around 10 days.

The Holy See Press Office is expected to provide further updates on the Pope’s activities in the coming days.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Pope will make his scheduled visit to Assisi on October 27. He is due to conclude the event “Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic gathering known as the Spirit of Assisi, first held under Pope St. John Paul II.