Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, and returned to the Vatican.
The 71-year-old pontiff walked to his vehicle without assistance and briefly interacted with well-wishers gathered outside the hospital before departing.
“I am better, thank you,” Leo said as he was driven away in a black sports utility vehicle.
His medical team cleared him to leave the hospital after reviewing the results of blood tests and chest imaging scans conducted to assess his recovery.
The pope arrived at the Vatican about 10 minutes after leaving the hospital.
Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a nodule suspected to be cancerous. The operation confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
His doctors described the procedure as successful and said it had been completed without complications. However, they have not disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, details that could help determine his prognosis.
The diagnosis has raised concerns about the health of the relatively young and energetic pontiff, who was elected pope in May 2025, and its possible implications for his papacy.
Despite the health setback, Leo is expected to lead the traditional weekly prayer with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square at noon on Sunday, marking his first public engagement since the operation. The prayer is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. GMT.
Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital after lung cancer surgery