Vatican: Papal South American Tour Proceeds as Scheduled After Lung Surgery
Pope Leo will visit ten cities in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November, despite recent tumor removal.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo will proceed with his planned tour of South America. The itinerary remains unchanged following the pontiff's recent surgery for lung cancer.
Leo is scheduled to depart for the continent on November 6. The 71-year-old pope underwent a procedure in Rome on October 13 to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. Medical staff at Rome's Gemelli hospital discharged him on October 17.
The tour will span 10 cities across three nations. Leo will begin in Uruguay on November 8, visiting Montevideo and other locations. He will move to Argentina from November 11 through November 17, with stops including Buenos Aires. The final leg of the trip takes him to Peru, where he will spend six days in Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.
Cardinal Carlos Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, stated that the Peruvian leg of the trip will engage young people, women who operate community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. Castillo noted the pope's personal history in Chiclayo, where Leo resided for several years. The pope holds Peruvian citizenship and arrived in the country as a missionary in 1985.
Leo first shared news of the cancer with the public on October 11 during his Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square. He described the growth as well-contained and caught at an early stage. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, confirmed that tests showed the cancer was localized. Margaritora stated there were no clinical reasons to cancel the tour and described the pope's condition as absolutely satisfactory.
The Vatican said Leo is looking forward to the journey with great joy and enthusiasm. He told pilgrims he is eager to return to the continent where he experienced many moments of his life. Since his operation, the pope has been resting and adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with doctors to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his ministry duties.
In a related update, the Vatican confirmed that Leo will cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27. The decision follows recommendations from his medical team.
