Pope Leo XIV reports good health ahead of Latin America tour

Pope Leo XIV told reporters accompanying him on his Latin America trip that he is "in pretty good health" following surgery to remove a lung tumour three weeks earlier. The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day itinerary that will also include Argentina and a return to Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.

"I must confess that, from the very first day, I never had any doubts; I was convinced that this journey had to go forward," he said on the plane to Uruguay. He thanked the medical team and said the operation was successful and the cancer has not spread. In Montevideo, crowds gathered along the seafront as his Popemobile passed. In his opening speech, the Pope urged that universal healthcare be "accessible to everyone," noting that his own treatment highlighted the challenges faced by many who lack timely diagnosis and care. He is scheduled to travel to Argentina on Sunday, marking the first papal visit to the country since his predecessor Pope Francis did not return during his pontificate.