Pope Leo XIV has thanked the doctors and surgeons who treated him for lung cancer, jokingly asking whether they had left anything inside him after surgery, as he returned to the Vatican following four days in hospital.

The 71-year-old pontiff made the light-hearted remark while expressing gratitude to the medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent an operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday.

Leo was discharged on Saturday and returned to the Vatican, appearing in good spirits as he walked unaided from the hospital and greeted well-wishers gathered outside the facility.

His departure marked a significant step in his recovery after the operation, which the Vatican said had been completed successfully without complications.

The pope’s cancer diagnosis has attracted international attention, coming barely 17 months after his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.

Footage released by the Vatican showed Leo smiling and waving as he left Gemelli Hospital. He also stopped to speak with people waiting outside, including a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl receiving cancer treatment in Italy.

The pontiff appeared relaxed during his departure, exchanging greetings with supporters and patients before entering his waiting vehicle.

He also encountered a group of Franciscan friars, one of whom remarked that they hoped to meet him again on another occasion.

Leo responded with a laugh, saying he hoped their next meetings would not be for the same reasons, in an apparent reference to his hospitalisation.

His interactions offered a glimpse of his mood as he left the medical facility, where he had been under observation following the operation.

Doctors approved his discharge after reviewing his latest blood tests and chest imaging. They said he was able to carry out normal daily activities independently.

Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

The growth was discovered during medical examinations, with the Vatican previously indicating that the abnormality had been detected at an early stage.

The pope’s lead surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, said the operation had gone well and expressed confidence that Leo could make a full recovery within about 10 days.

The pontiff is expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday from his apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.

The appearance will be his first scheduled public engagement since undergoing surgery and is likely to attract attention from Catholics and observers.

Leo has continued to show an interest in his responsibilities during his hospital stay. On Friday, he spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging action to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries to Oleshky, a Ukrainian town under Russian control.

He has continued involvement in international affairs despite his medical treatment.

The pope is also scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. His lead surgeon has said there are currently no clinical reasons to cancel the trip, which is expected to involve an intensive programme of engagements.

The planned journey will be one of the major tests of his ability to resume an active schedule after surgery, although his medical team will continue to guide decisions about his recovery.

Since taking office, he has led the Catholic Church’s global religious activities and maintained a demanding programme of public appearances.

Sunday’s Angelus prayer is expected to provide the first public indication of how the Pope is progressing after the operation.