Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome hospital 4 days after lung surgery

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 blood tests and chest imaging showed he was fit for discharge, and video showed the 71-year-old walking out without assistance and greeting well-wishers. The Vatican has said Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, after surgeons removed tissue during the operation. Officials have not disclosed the tumor’s size or whether it had spread. The Vatican expects Leo to make his first public appearance since surgery on Sunday to lead prayers from the papal apartment.