The Vatican transcript for Oct. 21 records Leo’s address on marriage and family. The gathering was his first general audience since Oct. 7.
Reuters reported that Leo greeted pilgrims and blessed babies from an open popemobile in St. Peter’s Square. It was his first general audience since Oct. 7. The Vatican had scheduled his return to the weekly gathering as he recovered from the operation.
“Thank you for the support of your prayers,” Leo told the crowd, according to the Vatican’s transcript. His address went on to discuss marriage and family.
Doctors said in a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office that the Oct. 13 operation removed the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung. Tissue examined during the procedure showed lung adenocarcinoma, and the doctors said the surgery was completed without complications. Leo left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17.
The Vatican has scheduled a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru for Nov. 6-17. Surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News on Oct. 17 that he saw no clinical reason to cancel it. His assessment was medical; the Vatican has not confirmed whether the trip will proceed as planned.
