Pope Leo XIV begins 12-day Latin America tour 21 days after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV departed Rome on November 6, beginning a 12-day itinerary across South America just three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a lung cancer tumour. The journey covers thousands of miles and three countries, ending in Peru, the region where the American-born pontiff spent nearly two decades as a priest.

The Vatican described the trip as a normal part of the Pope's duties, refusing to frame his health as a permanent medical concern. A Vatican spokeswoman told reporters in Rome that Leo possessed "fantastic stamina" and had personally confirmed the itinerary without changes. She characterized the Pope as a 71-year-old man recovering from an operation, rather than a patient with a chronic condition. Last month, Leo disclosed that doctors found a growth during a routine scan. His medical team removed the tumour along with the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed that the cancer had not spread.

The schedule begins in Uruguay, a nation where the Catholic population has declined in recent years. It is the first papal visit to the country in four decades. From Uruguay, Leo travels to Argentina, the birthplace of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The Argentine leg of the trip carries political weight due to the strained relationship between the Catholic Church and President Javier Milei. Milei previously called Francis "evil on earth" and a "communist" for his social justice teachings. Argentine bishops have criticized Milei's austerity measures, yet the president welcomed Leo on social media, writing that the country awaits him "with immense joy." Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Addolorata in Rome, noted that the visit serves as a homage to Francis, who did not travel to Argentina while pope. "I always thought he would go, despite his illness," Laguna said, adding that the church is preparing a large screen so parishioners can follow the events.

The final stop is Peru, which the Vatican describes as a return to the Pope's roots. Born Robert Prevost in the United States, Leo holds Peruvian citizenship and served in the country on and off for nearly 20 years. He will return to the diocese of Chiclayo, where he was ordained bishop in 2014. He will also celebrate Mass in Cusco, the former Inca capital located more than 3,000 metres above sea level, before visiting Pucallpa in the Amazon. In all three countries, the Pope is scheduled to meet survivors of clerical sexual abuse. This focus addresses an issue that complicated Pope Francis's 2018 visit to Chile and Peru. Professor Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University noted that Leo’s busy schedule since the operation signals a return to normalcy. "That was a short episode and now we're back on track," Faggioli said.

The Pope’s medical team has monitored his recovery closely, but the Vatican has emphasized his ability to work. Leo has held speeches and audiences in the days leading up to his departure. The trip involves multiple long-haul flights and local travel between high-altitude cities and jungle regions. The Vatican stated that no extraordinary health precautions are being taken during the journey. The itinerary remains fixed as planned, with the Pope set to engage with local communities and religious leaders throughout the week.