The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo will proceed with his upcoming South American tour as scheduled, following his recent surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff is set to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17.
South American Itinerary
The Vatican stated that the Pope was looking forward to the journey “with great joy and enthusiasm” and would maintain his original programme visiting 10 cities. Pope Leo expressed his anticipation of returning to the continent where he spent numerous moments of his life. The voyage begins in Uruguay on November 8 with a visit to Montevideo and other key locations. He will subsequently travel to Argentina from November 11 to 17, stopping in Buenos Aires and several other areas. The final leg spans six days in Peru, where approximately 76 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, with scheduled stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.
Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, stated that the itinerary will engage young women operating community kitchens, youth, and indigenous community members, as reported by Vatican News. The archbishop emphasized the Pope’s deep connections to Chiclayo, a city where he resided for multiple years and holds Peruvian citizenship. The Catholic Church originally deployed him to Peru as a missionary in 1985 at age 30, where he served in the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas and later in Trujillo. He divided his career between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades.
Surgery and Recovery
Pope Leo personally disclosed his lung condition on October 11 during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square, informing the gathered crowd about the discovery of a lung nodule. He assured pilgrims that the growth was contained and detected early, though medical professionals recommended its extraction. The 90-minute operation took place in Rome on October 13 to eliminate a tumour on the lower section of his right lung, and he left Rome’s Gemelli hospital on October 17.
Surgeon Stefano Margaritora stated that the Pope maintained an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition and reported no medical obstacles preventing the tour. Test results confirmed the cancer remained localized. Following the procedure, the pontiff has been resting and slowly returning to his duties. The Vatican reported that he has been adjusting his daily schedule alongside his doctors to focus on recovery while maintaining his ministerial responsibilities, alongside expressing deep gratitude for global prayers and affection.
The Vatican announced that Leo would cancel a scheduled visit to Assisi on October 27 upon the advice of his medical team.
