Pope Leo will proceed with his scheduled November journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, the Vatican announced on Monday, confirming that the pontiff’s recovery from recent lung cancer surgery remains on track.
The 71-year-old pontiff is currently recovering from an October 13 operation in which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. Medical examinations following the procedure resulted in a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
In an official statement released Monday, the Vatican cited personal physician Luigi Carbone in reporting that the pope’s recovery continues smoothly. Recent medical examinations reportedly attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition.
Based on his current clinical status, as well as instrumental and laboratory tests performed, the Vatican stated that there are no contraindications preventing him from undertaking the upcoming apostolic journey. The trip is scheduled to run from November 6 to November 17.
Leo’s upcoming South America tour is anticipated to be one of the most intense foreign trips undertaken by a Catholic leader in decades. The itinerary covers approximately 31,000 kilometers, equivalent to 19,300 miles, across a 10-city tour during which the pontiff is scheduled to deliver 36 speeches. The Vatican confirmed that the trip will proceed with no changes to the previously published agenda.
The journey holds significant personal meaning for Leo, who spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru before his predecessor Francis called him back to Rome in 2023 and elevated him to Vatican positions. The upcoming tour marks a homecoming of sorts for the first U.S. pontiff.
“I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life,” Leo said in a message released by the Vatican. “May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.”
To accommodate his ongoing healing process, the Vatican noted that Leo is adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his medical team, prioritizing his recovery while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of his ministry.
While the international tour remains on schedule, the medical recovery has required adjustments to domestic engagements. On Sunday, the pope addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, but on doctors’ advice he canceled a planned day visit to the central Italian town of Assisi that had been scheduled for Tuesday.
