APTOPIX Vatican Pope Surgery

Pope Leo has left Rome’s Gemelli hospital after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. On Saturday, he greeted well-wishers and patients as he departed. “I am better, thank you,” the pope said when asked how he was as he was driven away in a black SUV. The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. Doctors confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. Since the surgery, he has shown strong signs of recovery, including holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and celebrating Mass. The Vatican released images of him standing at an altar in a hospital chapel. Leo plans to greet the faithful with the Angelus blessing on Sunday.