Pope Leo XIV begins 12-day Latin America tour after cancer surgery
- Pope Leo XIV has started a 12-day tour of Latin America.
- The trip comes three weeks after the Pope underwent lung cancer surgery.
- The itinerary includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- Vatican officials report the Pope is in good health with no special measures required.
- The tour includes meetings with abuse survivors and political leaders.
Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day tour of Latin America on Friday, embarking on the journey only weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery. The tour is scheduled to last 12 days and will involve 12 planes.
The itinerary covers thousands of miles, stretching from the Amazon to the Andes, and relies on multiple long-haul and local flights.
Vatican confirms Pope's health after lung surgery
The Vatican reports that no extraordinary measures are being taken for the Pope's health during the visit. A spokeswoman in Rome described the 71-year-old as having "fantastic stamina" and being "extremely enthusiastic" about the schedule. The Pope personally confirmed the itinerary, which remains unchanged.
Pope Leo revealed last month that doctors discovered a tumour during a routine scan.
Reports on the timeline of the surgery vary, with the BBC stating the trip began weeks after the operation. The Times of India reported the start date was three weeks after the surgery, while The Express Tribune noted the visit began one month after the procedure.
He noted the Pope has been making speeches and holding audiences in the last few days and seems in great shape. The Express Tribune describes the tour as a "homecoming" visit.
Uruguay marks first stop of papal visit
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay as the first stop of his 12-day Latin American tour. This visit marks the first time a pope has travelled to the country in four decades.
The nation has seen the number of Catholics fall steeply in recent years.
Argentina visit amid political tension
After Uruguay, the Pope will travel to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Addolorata, described the visit as a homage to Francis, who did not make it to Argentina as pope.
Father Laguna said he always believed Leo would go despite his illness and did not think he would cancel the trip. A large screen is being installed inside a church in Rome so parishioners can follow key moments of the journey. The building is already decorated with posters proclaiming "Pope Leo is welcome in Argentina".
The trip will involve meetings with political leaders, prisoners, the poor and old friends.
President Javier Milei has welcomed the Pope, writing on X that Argentina awaits the visit "with immense joy". This comes despite Mr Milei previously calling Pope Francis "evil on earth" and a "communist" for promoting social justice to help the poor. Argentina’s bishops have criticised Mr Milei’s harsh austerity measures and cuts to social spending.
Return to roots in Peru
The Vatican describes the visit to Peru as a return to the Pope’s roots. A spokeswoman said of the pontiff, "He knows these streets".
Pope Leo was born in the United States as Robert Prevost and spent nearly 20 years in Peru.
Addressing abuse and regional democratic challenges
The Vatican says the Pope will meet survivors of clerical sexual abuse in all three countries.
Professor Faggioli notes that democracies in the region are in trouble, providing the Pope with many issues to address.
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- Pope Leo heads to Latin America for 12-day trip weeks after lung cancer surgery (saudigazette.com.sa)
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