Pope Leo XIV left hospital 4 days after lung cancer surgery
What's next: The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to lead the Angelus on Sunday after doctors set about a week for post-op recovery.
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital four days after surgery that removed the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors said morning blood tests and a chest X-ray showed he was fit for discharge. The operation on Tuesday confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Video showed Leo, 71, walking out without physical support and greeting well-wishers before departing in a black SUV. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the expected postoperative recovery time is about one week. Leo is due to lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday, and the Vatican has kept planning in place for his Nov. 6-17 trip to Latin America.