Pope Francis leaves Rome hospital 9 days after operation; surgeon says ‘he’s better than before’

By FRANCES D’EMILIO
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has been discharged from the Rome hospital where he had abdominal surgery nine days earlier to repair a hernia and remove painful scarring. The 86-year-old Francis smiled, waved and said “thanks” to a crowd of well-wishers as he left Gemelli Polyclinic on Friday. His surgeon told reporters that Francis “is better than before” the surgery. Before heading home, Francis stopped to pray at a basilica and greeted nuns at a convent adjacent to the Vatican. He plans to make his traditional Sunday appearance at a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. On Wednesday, he’s set to skip his customary hour-long public audience but is scheduled to meet with Brazil’s president.