Pope Leo begins 12-day Latin America tour after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV has begun a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, three weeks after surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. The trip includes a return to Peru, where he spent nearly 20 years as a priest and bishop, and will take in long flights and events at high altitude.

The Vatican says the cancer had not spread and that no extraordinary health measures are being taken for the journey. A spokeswoman said Leo had “fantastic stamina” and was “extremely enthusiastic” about a schedule he had personally confirmed without changes.

The tour opens in Uruguay, which has not received a papal visit for four decades, then moves to Argentina, the home country of Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis. In Peru, Leo is due to return to the diocese of Chiclayo, where he was bishop, and celebrate Mass in Cusco at more than 3,000 metres above sea level before travelling to the Amazon city of Pucallpa.

The Argentina leg may carry political sensitivities. President Javier Milei has welcomed the Pope, although he previously attacked Francis over the former pontiff’s advocacy for social justice. Argentina’s bishops have criticised Milei’s cuts to social spending.

The Vatican says Leo will meet survivors of clerical sexual abuse in all three countries. The BBC quoted a Vatican spokeswoman describing Peru as a return to the Pope’s roots; Leo was born in the United States and also holds Peruvian citizenship.

The trip follows Leo’s return to public duties after surgery. Doctors later confirmed the cancer had not spread and said no further treatment was needed. His planned South American journey had remained on the calendar during his recovery.