Pope Leo Confirms 10-City South America Tour Two Weeks After Lung Cancer Surgery

Ten cities await Pope Leo in South America, a schedule the Vatican confirmed on Friday following his recent lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17. He underwent the procedure in Rome on October 13 to remove a tumor on the lower part of his right lung.

Leo announced the diagnosis himself on October 11 during his weekly Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors had found a nodule that was well-contained and caught at an early stage. The surgery lasted 90 minutes. He was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on October 17. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, stated that the pope is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition and that there are no clinical reasons to stop the trip. Tests indicated the cancer was localised.

The itinerary begins in Uruguay on November 8. Leo will visit the capital, Montevideo, and other key cities. He will then move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, with stops including Buenos Aires. The tour concludes with six days in Peru. Roughly 76% of the Peruvian population is Catholic. The pope will visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.

Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, told Vatican News that the visit will engage young people, women who run community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. Castillo noted the pope's close ties to Chiclayo, where Leo lived for several years. Leo holds Peruvian citizenship. The Catholic Church sent him to Peru as a missionary in 1985 at age 30. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, and later in Trujillo. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades.

Leo expressed his eagerness to return to the continent where he has experienced so many moments of his life. The Vatican added that he looks forward to the trip with great joy and enthusiasm. Since his operation, the pope has been resting and gradually resuming his work. He is adjusting his daily schedule with doctors to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his ministry. The Vatican said he is deeply grateful for the prayers and affection received from around the world.

On Friday, the Vatican announced that Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27. Doctors recommended the cancellation. The next public milestone for the pope is the start of his South American tour on November 6.