Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged after doctors reviewed his blood test results and chest scans and concluded he could continue recovering outside the hospital.
The Vatican said the operation had gone well, with no complications.
The Pope walked to his car without assistance and paused to greet people gathered outside the hospital.
The Vatican also said he is expected to lead Sunday’s traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square. The appearance would be his first public engagement since the surgery.
Doctors have not released details about the tumour’s size or whether the cancer had reached nearby lymph nodes. Such information can help clarify the outlook for his recovery.
Elected in May 2025, Leo XIV is the first American to become leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
We are delighted that the Pope is out of hospital and back at the Vatican. We wish him strength and a smooth recovery, and hope his healing will be lasting and complete.
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