Pope Leo to Go Ahead With Latin America Trip Three Weeks After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will proceed with his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, after doctors determined there are no medical reasons preventing him from travelling three weeks after lung cancer surgery. The Vatican confirmed the trip on Monday.

The trip will run from 6 to 17 November. The Vatican press office said the pope's recovery continues to progress in line with favourable assessments from his medical team. It also confirmed the pope is keeping the already ambitious trip programme, with no announced changes.

Surgeons on 13 October removed a lobe where the nodule later diagnosed as malignant was located. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The Vatican said this was the first major health event of Leo's 17-month pontificate. Since returning to the Vatican, Leo has gradually resumed his activities while adjusting his schedule to prioritise recovery and periods of rest, the statement said.

The pope's physician, Luigi Carbone, said there is no medical reason preventing Leo's trip to South America, which involves a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.

Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received during his recovery, and said he was eager to return to a region where he spent important periods of his life.

“I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life,” Leo said on Monday. “May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.”

The Vatican said the visit will provide an opportunity for the pope to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage the faithful and promote a message of faith, hope and peace in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.