VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV will make his scheduled Nov. 6-17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru after doctors found no medical reason to prevent him from traveling, the Vatican said Monday. The trip comes three weeks after the pope underwent surgery for lung cancer.
According to the Vatican press office, Leo’s recovery is advancing as expected, consistent with the positive evaluations of his medical team. The ambitious itinerary remains unchanged, with no revisions announced.
Surgeons removed a lung lobe on Oct. 13 after identifying a nodule that was later confirmed to be malignant. The procedure marked the first major health crisis of Leo’s 17-month pontificate and revealed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Since returning to the Vatican, the pope has gradually resumed his public duties while scaling back his schedule to allow more time for rest and recovery, the Vatican statement said.
Leo’s physician, Luigi Carbone, said there is no medical obstacle to the South American journey, which includes 12 flights and two helicopter trips to high-altitude locations.
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The pope has thanked people for their prayers and support during his recovery. He also said he was eager to return to a region that played an important role in his life.
“I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life,” Leo said 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 allow Leo to deepen relationships with local churches, encourage Catholics and share a message of faith, hope and peace across Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
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