Pope Leo discharged from hospital following lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo left Gemelli Hospital on Saturday morning, just four days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a procedure to treat lung cancer. The pontiff, who appeared in good health as he departed the facility, told gathered well-wishers that he was "better, thank you" when asked about his condition.

Before leaving the hospital, Leo spent time greeting patients within the facility and acknowledging supporters gathered outside. The pope paused to receive a handmade papal doll from a teenage girl before proceeding to a waiting black SUV. Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, accompanied the pontiff to the hospital entrance as he was formally discharged.

The pope arrived at the Vatican gates within ten minutes of leaving the hospital. His recovery is proceeding ahead of schedule, with Leo set to deliver the traditional Sunday Angelus blessing to the faithful—just one week after publicly announcing the discovery of the lung nodule and his decision to have it surgically removed. The candid disclosure about his health condition marked an unusual step in papal communications regarding medical matters.

The surgical procedure and swift recovery demonstrate the pontiff's resilience and commitment to his ministerial responsibilities, Vatican officials said.