Pope Leo begins Latin America tour three weeks after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day tour of Latin America in Uruguay on November 6, three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The journey continues to Argentina and Peru, with Vatican officials saying he has completed his prescribed recovery period and requires no further treatment.¹²

Recovery and the itinerary

The Vatican says it is taking no extraordinary measures over the pope’s health. According to the BBC, officials described the 71-year-old as someone recovering from an operation rather than living with a permanent medical condition. A Vatican spokeswoman said he had personally approved the itinerary without alterations.¹

According to the BBC, a routine scan revealed a tumour, which doctors excised together with the bottom lobe of his right lung. His medical team confirmed that the cancer had not spread, the broadcaster said. NPR reported that doctors required a 14-day convalescence, which Vatican officials say he has completed.¹²

According to NPR, the tour is scheduled for November 6–17 and includes 12 flights, two helicopter journeys, 36 speeches and stops in 10 cities. The broadcaster described it as Leo’s longest journey yet. Vatican communications chief Maria Montserrat Alvar said his doctors were confident and medical care would be available aboard.²

Uruguay and Argentina

Uruguay’s part of the itinerary lasts three days, NPR reported, marking the country’s first papal visit since 1988. The pope is scheduled to meet President Yamandú Orsi and celebrate Mass in Paysandú and Florida. NPR also reported that a proposed address to parliament was dropped following public and political objections.²

NPR describes Uruguay, with about 3.5 million residents, as Latin America’s most secular country. About a third of its people identify as Catholic, and fewer practise the faith, according to the broadcaster. Tickets for Leo’s prayer vigil were taken within two days, although Catholic studies scholar Andrew Chesnut cautioned that interest would not necessarily increase church attendance.²

In Argentina, the programme includes meetings with state leaders and religious events, according to the BBC, which reported that millions were expected to greet the pope. President Javier Milei welcomed the visit, saying the country awaited Leo “with immense joy”. NPR noted that Pope Francis had hoped to return to Argentina but never did.¹²

A return to Peru

The Vatican describes the final leg as a return to Leo’s roots. He spent roughly two decades in Peru, as a missionary and later bishop of Chiclayo, and holds Peruvian citizenship. According to the BBC, he became bishop there in 2014 and served until his move to the Vatican almost a decade later.¹²

Leo will return to Chiclayo and celebrate Mass in Cusco, more than 3,000 metres above sea level, before travelling to Pucallpa, the BBC reported. Across all three countries, the Vatican says he will meet people who survived sexual abuse by clergy.¹