Pope Leo walks unaided out of a Rome hospital four days after lung cancer surgery and returns to the Vatican

'I am better, thank you,' Pope Leo XIV, 71, told well-wishers as surgeon Dr Stefano Margaritora accompanied him to the Gemelli hospital exit. Before departing, he held Mass at a chapel set up within the hospital and administered Communion to members of the medical staff. He is due to recite the Angelus from the papal apartment window on Sunday. Results confirming whether his adenocarcinoma has spread are still pending.

Tuesday's 90-minute operation involved surgeons removing the lower lobe of his right lung.

Speaking from his hospital bed, he held a call with Vladimir Putin — the two leaders' first conversation since June 2025.

As he made his way out, a teenage girl stopped him to give him a homemade papal doll.