Pope Leo XIV will remain at the Vatican this week to continue his post-operative recovery rather than traveling to his usual residence in Castel Gandolfo. According to the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father is resting in the Apostolic Palace following his surgery for pulmonary adenocarcinoma on October 13 and his subsequent discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 17.
On Sunday, the Pope made a public appearance from the window of the Apostolic Palace to greet an estimated 15,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to show their support and affection. Building on this positive recovery sign, the Vatican has confirmed that he will hold his weekly General Audience this coming Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square, though it remains unconfirmed whether he will use the popemobile to tour the crowds.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who performed the operation, previously noted that the initial recovery period is expected to last around ten days, prompting the decision for the Pope to stay at the Vatican rather than taking his customary Monday-to-Tuesday trip to Castel Gandolfo.
Meanwhile, the Holy See Press Office is expected to release further details regarding the Pope’s upcoming schedule in the coming days. A decision has not yet been announced regarding whether he will proceed with his scheduled October 27 visit to Assisi, where he is due to conclude the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” event organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio for the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi gathering.