Pope Leo XIV Begins South America Tour After Lung Surgery

A 12-day diplomatic and religious journey across South America began for Pope Leo XIV on Friday, November 6, 2026, just three weeks after surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff is visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.

The trip is his longest overseas journey since becoming pope last year. According to the Vatican, his medical team has cleared him to travel after removing a tumor and part of his right lung in October. Doctors confirmed that the cancer had not spread.

Vatican officials said the pontiff's schedule remains unchanged despite concerns about his recovery. A spokeswoman described him as a man with "fantastic stamina" who was "extremely enthusiastic" about the journey and had "personally confirmed... with no changes" to the original itinerary.

The Vatican characterized his medical situation as that of a "71-year-old who has undergone an operation" rather than someone with a "permanent medical condition".

Professor Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University said the journey demonstrates the Vatican's intention to resume normal papal activities following the operation.

"That was a short episode and now we're back on track," Faggioli told the BBC.

He pointed to Leo's recent return to public engagements, including speeches and audiences, as evidence of his recovery. Nevertheless, the itinerary presents considerable physical demands, involving numerous flights and travel across thousands of miles, from the Amazon region to the Andes.

Uruguay is the first destination, with Montevideo scheduled to receive the pontiff on Friday evening. The country is experiencing a significant decline in Catholic affiliation and has not welcomed a pope for approximately four decades. Its strict separation of church and state also distinguishes it from the other destinations.

Argentina follows Uruguay. The visit carries particular significance because the country was the birthplace of Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, who died at Easter 2025 without returning to his homeland as pope.

Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Addolorata, Argentina's national church in Rome, described the journey as a tribute to Francis. He recalled the late pontiff's absence from Argentina during his papacy.

"This visit is also a homage to Francis, who didn't make it to Argentina [as pope]," Laguna told the BBC.

He said the announcement generated considerable excitement among Argentine Catholics and expressed confidence that Leo would undertake the journey despite his recent illness.

"When this visit by Pope Leo was announced, it filled all of our hearts with joy," Laguna said.

"I always thought he would go, despite his illness. I don't think he ever thought of calling it off!"

Laguna is preparing a large screen inside his church in Rome so parishioners can follow the major events. Posters welcoming the pontiff have also been displayed throughout the building, including one carrying the message "We're waiting for you!"

Argentina's political situation could make this part of the journey particularly sensitive. President Javier Milei previously described Pope Francis as "evil on earth" and a "communist" because of his advocacy for social justice and assistance to poorer communities.

Argentina's Catholic bishops have also criticized Milei's austerity policies, particularly extensive reductions in social spending. However, Milei has welcomed Leo's upcoming arrival, expressing his country's enthusiasm in a message published on X. Millions of people are expected to greet the pope.

Peru represents the emotional centerpiece of the journey. Leo, born in the United States as Robert Prevost, spent more than 20 years working in the country with the Augustinian order and later serving as a bishop. He also holds Peruvian citizenship and speaks fluent Spanish.

A Vatican spokeswoman described the visit as a return to familiar surroundings, explaining that the pontiff knows the communities he is visiting.

"He knows these streets," the spokeswoman said.

Leo's itinerary includes Chiclayo, where he was ordained bishop in 2014 and served until Pope Francis transferred him to the Vatican nearly a decade later. He will also visit Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, for Mass at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, before traveling to Pucallpa in the Amazon.

The Vatican has also scheduled meetings with survivors of clerical sexual abuse in all three countries. The issue previously overshadowed Pope Francis's 2018 visit to Chile and Peru.

Faggioli said the journey offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship between the papacy and Latin America following Francis's sometimes complicated visits to the region.

"This is how the papacy reconnects with Latin America after Francis, whose visits to the region were not always seamless," he told the BBC.

He also highlighted the political challenges facing countries across the Americas, particularly concerns about democratic institutions.

"Democracies are in trouble there, so there are so many things he can address," Faggioli said.

Beyond South America, the possibility of a future papal visit to the United States remains another significant issue. Faggioli noted that Leo has expressed interest in traveling there, although the timing could depend on the political circumstances under President Donald Trump.

"The big question then is the United States. There's no question he wants to go. So will he travel when [President Donald] Trump is still in office? I'm sure they're thinking about this," Faggioli said.

Peru remains the final major destination on Leo's 12-day itinerary, bringing the pontiff back to communities where he spent much of his religious career.