Pope Leo XIV Leaves Hospital Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV returns to the Vatican after successful lung cancer surgery, waving to cheering crowds outside hospital.

Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer at a hospital in Rome.

The pontiff was discharged on Saturday afternoon after postoperative blood tests and chest X-rays showed he was fit to leave, according to Vatican officials.

Doctors described the surgery as successful. The procedure involved removing a malignant nodule and part of his right lung.

Making his first public appearance since his admission, Leo waved to a cheering crowd as he left the hospital.

He walked confidently, smiled and exchanged a few words with well-wishers before returning to the Vatican.