The 71-year-old Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed Tuesday after doctors found a suspected cancerous nodule. The surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Last Sunday, he told the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square that doctors had found the nodule and would take it out.

His personal physician and surgeon said Leo was "deemed fit for discharge from the hospital." They based that on blood tests, a chest X-ray Saturday morning and an assessment of his clinical condition. He is set to leave in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican.

Leo has shown strong signs of recovery. He held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with top aides and celebrated Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel. Medical bulletins said he carried on "normal daily activities completely on his own." On Friday, the Vatican released the first images of him since surgery, showing him standing at an altar in green vestments. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo presided alone and gave Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes. In his homily, Leo thanked the hospital staff for caring for the sick.