In brief
Following a successful lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV has been cleared by doctors to continue his long‑planned South American tour. The 71‑year‑old pope will visit ten cities across Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between 6 and 17 November. The itinerary remains unchanged, with visits to Montevideo, Buenos Aires and several Peruvian towns. He travelled to Peru earlier in his career and holds Peruvian citizenship, deepening his ties to the region. Medical reports confirm the tumour was localised and removed without complications.
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will continue his South‑American trip as planned, following a successful surgery to remove a tumour from his lung.
He was diagnosed with a lesion on his lower right lung in October and underwent a 90‑minute operation on 13 October in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The chief surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, reported the pope was in an "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and that there were "no clinical reasons" for postponing the visit.
The 71‑year‑old will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between 6 and 17 November, visiting ten cities on the original programme. He expressed "great joy and enthusiasm" at the prospect of returning to a continent that has played a significant role in his life.
The itinerary starts in Montevideo on 8 November, continues to Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities from 11 to 17 November, and culminates with six days in Peru, where roughly 76% of the population is Catholic. Stops will include Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco and Pucallpa.
Peru’s Cardinal Guillermo Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, highlighted the pope’s close ties to the country, noting his Peruvian citizenship and earlier missionary work in the region. The visit will also feature engagements with young people, women who run community kitchens and indigenous community members, emphasising his outreach to diverse groups.
While Pope Leo XIV was discharged from hospital on 17 October, he has been gradually resuming his duties and adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with medical staff. The Vatican noted he was "deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world".
Earlier this week the Vatican cancelled a planned trip to Assisi on 27 October, following doctors’ advice, but reaffirmed that the South‑American tour would proceed unchanged.
