STORY: Pope Leo left hospital in Rome on Saturday (October 17) afternoon to return to the Vatican following surgery for lung cancer four days ago.

The 71-year-old walked unaided to his waiting car, greeting and speaking to well-wishers outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

His doctors had earlier said he was well enough to return home after they carried out the latest blood tests and chest imaging.

The pope, who had an operation on Tuesday (October 13) to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, will hold his first public engagement since surgery on Sunday when he leads weekly prayers with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square at noon (1000 GMT).

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: ROME, ITALY (OCTOBER 17, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO WAVING TO CHEERING FAITHFUL AS HE WALKS OUT OF GEMELLI HOSPITAL, SHAKING HANDS WITH OFFICIALS