Pope Leo to visit ten South American cities after lung surgery

Pope Leo will proceed with his planned tour of South America despite recent lung cancer surgery. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that the 71-year-old pope will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. He will visit ten cities across the three nations as originally scheduled.

Leo underwent surgery in Rome on October 13 to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. Doctors told him the growth was localized and detected at an early stage. The operation lasted 90 minutes, and the pope was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on October 17. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, stated that the pope is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition. Margaritora said there are no clinical reasons to delay the trip.

The itinerary begins in Uruguay on November 8, where Leo will visit Montevideo and other key cities. He will move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, stopping in Buenos Aires. The final leg of the journey takes him to Peru for six days. Peru is home to roughly 76% Catholic population, and the pope will visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.

Peru’s Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa, who serves as Archbishop of Lima, outlined the local plans for the visit. According to Vatican News, the trip will include meetings with young people, women who operate community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. The archbishop noted the pope’s deep ties to Chiclayo, where Leo lived for several years. Leo holds Peruvian citizenship and served as an Augustinian missionary in Peru from 1985 to 1987. He worked in Chulucanas and Trujillo before spending nearly three decades splitting his time between the United States and Peru.

Leo announced his diagnosis to the public on October 11 during his weekly Sunday audience 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 said his doctors advised removal. Since the operation, the pope has been resting and gradually resuming his duties. The Vatican said he is adjusting his daily schedule with his doctors to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his ministry.

The Vatican also announced that Leo will cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27. His doctors recommended the cancellation to allow for continued rest. The pope said he looks forward to returning to the continent with great joy and enthusiasm. He described the region as the place where he experienced many moments of his life.