Pope Leo XIV walks out of Gemelli to a cheering crowd four days after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV is out of the hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff walked out of Rome's Gemelli hospital Saturday surrounded by a heavy security team while a large crowd outside called out good wishes.

The Vatican had said earlier in the day that he was cleared to go home after four days in the hospital.

Cleared by his doctors

Leo was admitted for an operation on his right lung after doctors found a nodule that looked like cancer. During surgery they confirmed it was adenocarcinoma, one of the most common forms of lung cancer.

His personal physician and his surgeon signed off on the discharge. They pointed to his blood work along with a chest X-ray and a review of his overall condition. In their words he was "fit for discharge from the hospital."

Back for Sunday

The Vatican said the pope would leave in the early afternoon and head back to St. Peter's Square.

He is not expected to skip his usual Sunday blessing. Church officials said he plans to deliver it as normal.