Pope Leo XIV Embarks on 12-Day South American Tour After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to embark on a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, traveling without any special medical precautions less than a month after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, BTA World reported. Vatican officials confirmed the 71-year-old pontiff is in good health following the October 13 operation, which addressed an adenocarcinoma—the most common form of lung cancer.
Histological examinations confirmed the absence of metastases, and physicians determined that no additional treatment is necessary, according to Vatican statements covered by BTA World. Speaking at a press conference, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni described the diagnosis not as a permanent condition, but as an acute health event from which the pope is successfully recovering.
A Demanding Itinerary Across Three Nations
The upcoming journey stands as one of the most demanding papal trips in decades. The 71-year-old pontiff will participate in more than 50 events, requiring 12 airplane flights, two helicopter journeys, and a prayer service at high altitude in the Andes, according to reporting from BGNES.
The itinerary spans three nations between November 6 and November 17. The schedule features high-level addresses to state leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei, alongside gatherings with indigenous Amazonian communities, victims of clergy sexual abuse, the elderly, the poor, and individuals with disabilities, as detailed by BGNES.
Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome on Friday, Nov. 6, for an apostolic journey to South America, his first visit there since his election as pope.https://t.co/YQiG3i1LBM
Personal Significance of the Return to Peru
Maria Montserrat Alvarado, the head of communications of the Vatican, stated that Pope Leo XIV is extremely excited about returning to Peru, where he served nearly two decades, including as a bishop, and possesses Peruvian citizenship, BGNES reported.
For the pontiff, the return holds profound personal meaning. Alvarado noted that his formative years of ministry in Peru fundamentally shaped his pastoral identity and his approach to human interaction and church needs, according to BGNES.
Shifting Communication Standards Within the Vatican
Church historian Alberto Meloni noted to Associated Press that during earlier eras—such as Pope John Paul II’s recurring hospitalizations—official downplaying of medical conditions was standard practice.
In contrast, Pope Leo XIV chose to announce his lung condition directly during his Sunday prayer rather than relying solely on institutional press releases, establishing a more open communication style that builds upon practices introduced during the tenure of Pope Francis, BTA.bg reported. Associated Press notes that an illustrative story from the pontificate of Pope John Paul II clearly illustrates how Pope Leo XIV and his governance style have changed the Vatican and how it reacts to health crises involving the pope.
Spiritual Preparations in the Heart of Argentina
As part of the Argentine leg of the journey, the pontiff is scheduled to visit the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lujan on November 11 to pray before the patron saint of the country, Vatican News reported. The small statue of Our Lady of Lujan, standing only 38 centimeters tall, attracts millions of pilgrims to the basilica of the same name located about 70 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Monsignor Jorge Eduardo Scheinig, Archbishop of Mercedes-Lujan, highlighted the deep historical and spiritual significance of the site, noting that Robert Francis Prevost had visited the shrine previously while serving as the General Superior of the Augustinian Order. Monsignor Scheinig confirmed that he had met the future pope right there.
While statistical research indicates a decline in formal institutional Catholic affiliation within Argentina over recent decades—with the share of Catholics in the country dropping from 76,5% in 2008 to 62,9% in 2019—local church leaders emphasize that personal devotion and popular faith remain resilient across the nation, according to Vatican News.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Tour
When did Pope Leo XIV assume his office and receive his cancer diagnosis?
Robert Francis Prevost assumed leadership of the Roman Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV in May 2025 and was diagnosed with cancer in October of the same year, according to BTA World.
What specific medical procedure did the pope undergo?
Surgeons performed an operation on October 13 to remove a portion of the pontiff’s right lung after detecting a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, BTA World reported.
Which countries are included in the 12-day South American itinerary?
The official tour covers Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru over a 12-day period spanning from November 6 to November 17, as detailed by BGNES.
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