Pope Leo XIV holds first general audience after surgery

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first general audience on Wednesday, October 21, following his recent lung cancer surgery. During the event in St. Peter’s Square, the pope thanked those who supported him with prayers and expressed gratitude to God.

During his catechesis, the pope spoke about the importance of marriage and family, stating that promoting family well-being is more urgent than ever. He described marriage as a mutual self-gift between a man and a woman that requires total fidelity and unbreakable oneness, which is expressed through the procreation and upbringing of children. He also emphasized the need to protect fetal life from conception and called for the firm rejection of abortion and infanticide.

The audience followed the pope's discharge from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he underwent surgery on October 13. This marked his first time riding in the popemobile since the operation. Upon his arrival at the platform, cardinals, bishops, and pilgrims gave him a standing ovation.