World · Latin America · 3 hrs ago
Pope Leo XIV cleared for November trip to South America
Pope Leo XIV will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, the Vatican says.
Doctors say he is fit to travel after his October 13 operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The tumour was lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, but the cancer was confined to the lung and needs no further cancer treatment.
The trip will go ahead on its previously announced schedule, with no changes.
Leo has spent many years in Peru as a missionary and bishop, and says he is glad to return to the continent where he lived.
He is resuming his duties gradually as he recovers; on doctors’ advice, he has cancelled a visit to Assisi, but the South America trip is set to proceed.
The Vatican said Pope Leo’s November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will go ahead as planned.
Doctors reported that his recovery after lung surgery was progressing and that there were no medical contraindications to the trip.
The 71-year-old pope had surgery on October 13, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma.
The tour is scheduled to cover 10 cities, about 31,000 km and 36 speeches.
Leo cancelled a planned visit to Assisi on doctors’ advice but is gradually returning to his duties.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican and his personal physician, Luigi Carbone.
- What
- The Vatican confirmed that the pope’s trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will proceed on schedule.
- When
- The trip is scheduled for November 6-17, 2026. The Vatican confirmed it on October 26.
- Where
- Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
- Why
- The Vatican said the pope’s recovery and medical examinations showed no contraindications to the journey.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pope Leo underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
The Vatican confirmed that his recovery was progressing and that the South America trip would go ahead as planned.
Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
- Trip dates
- November 6-17, 2026
- Countries
- Uruguay, Argentina and Peru
- Surgery
- October 13; removal of the lower lobe of his right lung
- Diagnosis
- Lung adenocarcinoma
- Tour itinerary
- 10 cities, about 31,000 km and 36 speeches
3 sources
What people are saying
The Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition
Based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey
I am happy to be able to return to the continent where I lived many moments of my life. May this journey be an opportunity to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to announce the Gospel with joy!