Pope Leo Sets Sail for South America Despite Recent Lung Cancer Surgery
The 71-year-old pontiff will visit 10 cities across three countries in November after doctors cleared him to travel following a 90-minute operation in Rome.
By Kwame Silva ·
Pope Leo will proceed with his scheduled South American tour following a successful lung cancer surgery in Rome. The Vatican confirmed the decision on Friday, stating that the 71-year-old is ready to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between November 6 and 17.
The Pope was diagnosed with a tumor on the lower part of his right lung and underwent a 90-minute operation on October 13. He was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on October 17. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, reported that the cancer was localized and that the Pope is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition. Margaritora stated there are no clinical reasons to halt the trip.
The itinerary includes visits to 10 cities across the three nations. The tour begins in Uruguay on November 8, with stops in Montevideo and other key cities. He will move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, including a visit to Buenos Aires. The final leg involves six days in Peru, where 76% of the population is Catholic.
In Peru, the Pope will visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. Cardinal Ricardo Urrutia, the Archbishop of Lima, said the program will include young people, women who run community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. The archbishop noted the Pope's deep connection to Chiclayo, where he has lived for several years and holds Peruvian citizenship.
Pope Leo has strong historical ties to the region. The Catholic Church sent him to Peru as a missionary in 1985 when he was 30. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas and later the mission in Trujillo. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades before becoming Pope.
The Pope announced his surgery to the public on October 11 during weekly prayers in St. Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors found a nodule on his lung that was well-contained and caught at an early stage. He has since been resting and gradually resuming his work, adjusting his schedule with medical advice to prioritize recovery.
The Vatican said the Pope is looking forward to the trip with great joy and enthusiasm. He will cancel a planned visit to Assisi on October 27 on the recommendation of his doctors. The Vatican expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and affection the Pope has received from around the world.
