Pope Leo to Proceed with South American Tour After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo, who underwent surgery to remove a lung tumour, will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November as planned.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo will continue with his scheduled South American trip despite recent lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff had an operation on 13 October in Rome to excise a tumour from the lower part of his right lung and was discharged on 17 October.
He is set to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November, following the original itinerary that includes ten cities. "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life," the Pope said.
In Uruguay the visit will begin on 8 November in Montevideo and other key locations. The Argentine leg runs from 11 to 17 November, with stops in Buenos Aires and additional sites. The Peruvian segment will cover Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco and Pucallpa, where the Pope, a citizen of Peru, has longstanding ties.
Peru’s Cardinal Castillo noted that the itinerary will involve young people, women who manage community kitchens and members of indigenous communities. The Pope’s surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, described his condition as "absolutely satisfactory" and said there were no medical reasons to cancel the trip. Since the operation, the Pope has been resting and gradually resuming his duties, adjusting his schedule in consultation with doctors while expressing gratitude for worldwide prayers.