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Vatican doctors have declared Pope Leo XIV clinically fit to undertake his first apostolic journey to Latin America just over three weeks after he underwent surgery for lung cancer. Dr. Luigi Carbone the Pope’s personal physician stated that recent medical examinations attest to the pontiff’s good health and favorable clinical condition with no contraindications for travel according to a Holy See press release. The 71-year-old had a tumor removed along with the lower lobe of his right lung on October 13 and the cancer was found to be localized requiring no further treatment. Reuters reported that no additional medical measures will be taken during the tour.
The extensive 12-day schedule will see the Pope travel approximately 31000 kilometers make 14 flights and deliver 36 speeches while visiting 10 cities in three countries. UCA News detailed how the itinerary includes nine public Masses visits to seven cathedrals and two stadium prayer vigils with stops ranging from the Amazon lowlands to high in the Andes mountains. The tour begins in Uruguay on November 6 before proceeding to Argentina and concluding with six days in Peru where the Pope previously served as bishop.
This journey represents a homecoming for Pope Leo to Peru the country where he worked as a missionary and bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. In Argentina the visit pays homage to predecessor Pope Francis who never made a papal trip to his homeland Father Fernando Laguna noted in comments reported across multiple outlets. Uruguay receives its first papal visit in four decades at a time when Catholic numbers have fallen steeply there.
Pope Leo expressed his anticipation for the visit saying “I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life.” A Vatican briefing highlighted the pontiff’s fantastic stamina and extreme enthusiasm for the unchanged program which he personally confirmed BBC News reported. Medical experts assessed the risk of post-surgery complications as low given the positive recovery indicators.
The demanding trip will engage local communities including indigenous groups young people and women who manage community kitchens in Peru according to Cardinal Castillo the Archbishop of Lima. High altitude in places like Cusco at over 11000 feet presents an additional challenge but the schedule proceeds without modification. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the Pope is in good health and the journey will follow the original plan exactly.
The operation took place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and the Pope was discharged days later after beginning to walk and resume a normal diet. This marks the longest and most intense international trip of the current pontificate to date. Officials from the Holy See have emphasized that all tests post-surgery fell within normal ranges for such a procedure.
