Pope Leo to hold Wednesday audience for first time since cancer surgery

VATICAN CITY, Oct 19 - Pope Leo will hold a general audience with pilgrims at the Vatican on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery for lung cancer, the Vatican said.

The 71-year-old pontiff had an operation on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, fuelling speculation about how his illness might change his 17-month papacy.

Leo pledged on Sunday, in his first public event since the surgery, that he would slowly resume his usual activities as the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

The pope hosts a general audience with pilgrims on most Wednesdays of the year. It is either held in St. Peter's Square or indoors, depending on the weather. REUTERS