Pope Leo to Visit 10 Cities in South America Two Weeks After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo will proceed with his planned South American tour this November, the Vatican announced on Friday.

The 71-year-old leader underwent surgery on October 13 in Rome to remove a tumor located on the lower part of his right lung. Doctors confirmed the cancer was localized and the procedure lasted 90 minutes. He left 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 delay the trip.

The itinerary covers three countries over 11 days, from November 6 to 17. Leo will visit 10 cities in total. The journey begins in Uruguay on November 8, with stops in Montevideo and other major urban centers. He will move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, visiting Buenos Aires and other locations. The final leg takes him to Peru, where he will spend six days in Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. In Peru, approximately 76% of the population identifies as Catholic.

Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, the Archbishop of Lima, noted that the schedule includes meetings with young people, women who operate community kitchens, and indigenous community members. He pointed to the pope's deep historical ties to Chiclayo, a city where Leo lived for several years. Leo holds Peruvian citizenship. In 1985, the Catholic Church sent him to Peru as a missionary at age 30. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas in the Piura region. The following year, he moved to the mission in Trujillo. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly 30 years.

Leo announced his diagnosis to the public on October 11 during Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors had found a nodule on his lung. He described the growth as "well-contained" and caught "at an early stage," adding that his medical team advised removal. Since his discharge, he has been resting and gradually resuming duties. The Vatican said he is adjusting his daily schedule with doctors to prioritize recovery while maintaining his ministry responsibilities.

On Friday, the Vatican also confirmed that Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27. This decision followed recommendations from his medical team. The pope said he looks forward to the South American tour "with great joy and enthusiasm." He added, "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life." The Vatican expressed the pope's gratitude for the prayers and affection he has received globally.