Pope Leo to Proceed with South American Tour Post-Surgery
The pontiff has received clearance from his medical team to undertake his scheduled November trip after successful lung cancer surgery.
Pope Leo will proceed with his planned South American tour in November, the Vatican confirmed, following successful surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery on October 13 in Rome to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. The surgery was successful, and doctors have indicated there are no clinical reasons why the trip should not go ahead. Surgeon Stefano Margaritora stated the Pope is in an "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and that tests showed the cancer was "localised."
The Vatican announced on Friday that the Pope would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27, following his doctors' recommendations. However, his recovery is progressing, and he has been gradually resuming his duties. The Vatican noted he is adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritize his recovery while continuing his ministry. The Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers and affection received from around the world.
Pope Leo announced the news of his lung operation himself on October 11 during his weekly Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square, informing the crowd that doctors had found a nodule on his lung. He reassured attendees that the growth was "well-contained" and caught "at an early stage," but that doctors advised its removal. The surgery lasted 90 minutes, and he was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on October 17.
The pontiff stated he is looking forward to returning to South America, a continent where he has experienced many significant moments in his life. The trip itinerary includes visits to 10 cities across the three nations. His journey begins in Uruguay on November 8, with stops in the capital Montevideo and other key cities. From November 11-17, he will be in Argentina, visiting Buenos Aires and other locations. He will then spend six days in Peru, visiting Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, indicated the trip would involve young people, women involved in community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities.
The Pope has close ties to Chiclayo, having lived there for several years. He holds Peruvian citizenship and was sent to Peru as a missionary by the Catholic Church in 1985. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, in the Piura region, and later the mission in Trujillo. For nearly three decades, he worked between the United States and Peru.