Pope Leo is discharged from hospital just four days after lung cancer surgery, earlier than the Vatican expected

A chest X-ray taken on Saturday showed his right lung recovering well, and doctors cleared the 71-year-old as 'fit for discharge'. He is expected to deliver his Sunday blessing from his apartment overlooking St Peter's Square. Private audiences remain suspended until Tuesday. The Vatican has disclosed neither the tumour's dimensions nor whether it had spread to his lymph nodes.

The lower lobe of the right lung was surgically removed, with pathology confirming adenocarcinoma — despite reports that Leo has never smoked.

His planned trip to South America next month depends on how quickly he recovers.

He said Mass alone in a makeshift hospital chapel, giving Communion to staff and Vatican police.