Pope Francis leaves hospital 'in better shape than before'

Pope Francis greets people on the day of his discharge from Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) -Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on Friday morning, nine days after surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, and his doctor said he was stronger than before.

The 86-year-old pontiff left Rome's Gemelli hospital in a wheelchair, smiling and waving to reporters and well-wishers at the main entrance as he was taken to a waiting car.