Pope Leo XIV begins Latin American tour weeks after Lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV is beginning a 12-day apostolic journey to South America, three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, with the Vatican confirming that the 71-year-old pontiff is fit to undertake the demanding trip.

The Pope departed Rome on Friday, November 6, for Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, in what is expected to be one of the longest and most demanding international journeys of his pontificate.

His health had raised questions about whether the trip would proceed after surgeons operated on him on October 13, removing the lower lobe of his right lung where doctors had discovered a cancerous nodule.

Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that he had lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

However, the disease was found to be localized, and his medical team indicated that he would not require additional cancer treatment.

Following a medical assessment, the Vatican confirmed on October 26 that there were no medical reasons preventing him from travelling, adding that his recovery was progressing favourably.

Speaking at a briefing on November 3, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the Pope was in good health and did not require additional medical precautions beyond the arrangements normally provided during his international visits.

“We’re not talking of a permanent condition. We’re talking about something that you heal from, because it is surgery”, Bruni said.

Maria Montserrat Alvarado, the Vatican’s communications chief, also expressed confidence in the pontiff’s recovery, describing his stamina as “Fantastic” and saying he was enthusiastic about undertaking the journey.

The Vatican confirmed that the original programme would remain unchanged, with the Pope scheduled to visit 10 cities, deliver 36 speeches and travel approximately 31,000 kilometres through 12 flights and two helicopter journeys.

The first destination is Uruguay, where Leo XIV is expected to spend three days meeting President Yamandú Orsi, addressing government officials and celebrating Mass in different locations.

The visit is particularly significant because Uruguay has not hosted a papal visit since 1988 and is considered one of the most secular countries in Latin America.

From Uruguay, the pontiff will travel to Argentina, before proceeding to Peru, where his visit carries particular personal significance.

Peru is where Pope Leo spent approximately two decades as a missionary priest and bishop after arriving in the country in the 1980s.

He also acquired Peruvian citizenship, making the visit a highly anticipated return to a country closely connected to his religious journey.

His programme in Peru includes visits to Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa, with activities involving religious leaders, young people, local communities and representatives of Indigenous populations.

Despite his recent operation, the Vatican says the Pope's recovery is progressing well and that his doctors are confident about his ability to complete the journey.

The apostolic visit, scheduled to conclude on November 17, is expected to strengthen the Catholic Church’s relationship with communities across the three countries.