Pope Leo XIV leaves hospital 5 days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after doctors discharged him from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital five days after surgery that removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said morning blood tests and a chest X-ray showed he was fit to leave. Video showed the 71-year-old pope walking out unaided and greeting well-wishers before heading back to the Vatican. On Sunday, he made his first public appearance since the operation by reciting the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace and thanking people for their support. Doctors said tissue examined after surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, and Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said post-operative recovery is expected to take about a week.