Pope Leo XIV has left Rome's Gemelli Hospital only four days after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung.

The 71-year-old walked without assistance to his waiting car and paused to greet well-wishers.

The Vatican announced the Pope will lead the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing before a crowd in St Peter's Square on Sunday, following his surprise announcement of the procedure last week.

On Friday, images emerged of the Pope celebrating Mass and distributing communion to hospital staff.

A statement from his physicians noted blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated steady improvement after the operation.

The Tuesday procedure, lasting 90 minutes, involved removal of the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. Results from additional tests checking for cancer spread remain pending.

The Pope also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in their first conversation since June 2025. The Vatican described the call as focused on dialogue and peace.

This occurred as Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities intensify, leading to more civilian casualties and no indication Putin intends to stop the invasion.

The Pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshkiy under ongoing shelling to enable evacuations and delivery of food and medicine. The BBC has reported residents there resorting to eating garden weeds to survive.

The Pope's schedule remains clear until 20 October, making his swift public return unexpected yet reassuring for Catholics worldwide.

Those close to the Pope noted his desire to avoid delaying a planned early November trip to Latin America, including a visit to Peru where he served as a missionary for years.

It remains unclear if he will be fit to travel or if further treatment will be needed.