Nigeria, Oct. 17 -- Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after doctors discharged him from Rome's Gemelli University Hospital, four days after they removed part of his right lung to treat cancer.

Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the 71-year-old pontiff was "fit for discharge," based on blood tests, a chest X-ray taken that morning and his general condition. The Vatican said he would leave the hospital in the early afternoon.

Leo told crowds in St Peter's Square on Sunday, October 11, that a routine medical examination had found a nodule in his lung. "The doctors believe it is best to intervene," he said. He entered Gemelli on Tuesday, October 13.

Margaritora led the surgical team. The Vatican said the ope...