Pope Leo to Fly to South America

Pope Leo will depart for South America on November 6 as planned, the Vatican confirmed on Friday. The announcement comes two weeks after the 71-year-old pope underwent surgery to remove a lung tumor in Rome.

The papal visit spans 10 cities across three nations from November 6 to 17. Leo will begin in Uruguay, stopping in Montevideo and other key cities. He will then move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, visiting Buenos Aires among other locations. The itinerary concludes with six days in Peru, where he will visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. Roughly 76 percent of the Peruvian population identifies as Catholic.

Surgeon Stefano Margaritora stated that the pope is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition. Tests indicated the cancer was localized. The operation on the lower part of the right lung took 90 minutes. Leo was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on October 17. The Vatican noted that Leo is adjusting his daily schedule with doctors to prioritize recovery while maintaining his ministry duties.

Leo announced the surgery himself on October 11 during Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors found a nodule on his lung. He described the growth as well-contained and caught at an early stage. Doctors advised removal, which he underwent on October 13.

Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, said the trip will include young people, women who run community kitchens, and indigenous community members. Castillo noted the pope's strong ties to Chiclayo, where Leo lived for several years. The Vatican stated that Leo looks forward to the trip with great joy and enthusiasm.

Leo has held Peruvian citizenship since he joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas in 1985. He was 30 years old at the time. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades. The pope has Peruvian roots that date back to his missionary work in the Piura department.

The Vatican said Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27 on the recommendation of his doctors. The pontiff expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and affection received from around the world. The next major event on his calendar is the departure for Montevideo on November 6.