Vatican Confirms Pope Leo Will Travel to South America

Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung cancer in mid-October. The Vatican has confirmed that his planned South American tour will proceed as scheduled.

The 71-year-old Pontiff underwent surgery in Rome on 13 October to remove a tumour from the lower part of his right lung. The operation lasted 90 minutes. He was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on 17 October. Tests indicated the cancer was localised. Surgeon Stefano Margaritora stated that the Pope is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition. He said there are no clinical reasons to halt the upcoming travel plans.

Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between 6 and 17 November. The itinerary includes stops in 10 cities. The trip begins in Uruguay on 8 November, with visits to Montevideo and other key locations. He will move to Argentina from 11 to 17 November, visiting Buenos Aires among other sites. The tour concludes with a six-day stay in Peru, where approximately 76 percent of the population identifies as Catholic. Stops in Peru will include Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.

The Pontiff has maintained strong ties to Peru, where he holds citizenship. The Catholic Church sent him to the country as a missionary in 1985 at age 30. He served in Chulucanas and Trujillo before working between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades. Cardinal Juan Luis Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, told Vatican News that the trip will engage young people, women who manage community kitchens, and indigenous communities. The archbishop noted the Pope's personal connection to Chiclayo, where he resided for several years.

Leo announced his diagnosis to the public on 11 October during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square. He described the nodule as well-contained and caught at an early stage. He expressed great joy and enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, calling it a return to the continent where he experienced many moments of his life. The Vatican noted that Leo is deeply grateful for the global prayers and affection he has received since the operation.

Since the surgery, the Pope has been resting and gradually resuming his duties. The Vatican stated he is adjusting his daily schedule with doctors to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his ministry. On 24 October, the Vatican announced that Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on 27 October on his doctors' recommendation.