Pope Leo will travel to South America after lung cancer surgery

The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo will proceed with his scheduled South American tour despite recent health issues.

The 71-year-old leader underwent surgery on October 13 to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. Doctors confirmed the cancer was localized and the operation lasted 90 minutes. He was discharged from Gemelli hospital in Rome on October 17.

The trip is set to run from November 6 to 17. The Pope will visit ten cities across three countries. He will begin in Uruguay on November 8, visiting Montevideo. From November 11 to 17, he will travel to Argentina, including a stop in Buenos Aires. He will conclude the journey in Peru, where approximately 76% of the population identifies as Catholic. Stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa are confirmed.

Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, stated that the itinerary will include young people, women who run community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. The archbishop noted the Pope's personal connection to Chiclayo, where Leo lived for several years. Leo holds Peruvian citizenship and was sent to the country as a missionary in 1985. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades.

Surgeon Stefano Margaritora described the Pope's clinical condition as absolutely satisfactory. He stated there were no clinical reasons to cancel the tour. Since the operation, Leo has been resting and adjusting his daily schedule with medical advice to prioritize recovery while maintaining his ministry duties. The Vatican noted that the Pope is looking forward to the trip with great joy and enthusiasm.

Leo first informed the public of his diagnosis on October 11 during Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors had found a nodule on his lung but that it was well-contained and caught at an early stage. The Vatican said the Pope is deeply grateful for the prayers and affection received from around the world.

Doctors have recommended that Leo cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27. The tour to South America will follow the original program without changes to the city visits.