Pope Leo to fly to three nations two weeks after lung tumor removal

The Vatican confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo will proceed with his scheduled trip to South America despite recent surgery.

The 71-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent a 90-minute procedure in Rome on October 13 to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. He was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on October 17. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, stated that the cancer was localized and that there were no clinical reasons to cancel the tour.

Pope Leo announced the operation himself on October 11 during Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square. He told the crowd that doctors had found a nodule that was well-contained and caught at an early stage. Since the surgery, he has been resting and adjusting his daily schedule with medical advice to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his duties.

The tour begins on November 6 and runs through November 17. It covers Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The itinerary includes ten cities. The trip starts in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 8. He will move to Argentina from November 11 to 17, visiting Buenos Aires. The final leg is a six-day stay in Peru, which is 76 percent Catholic.

In Peru, the Pope will visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. Cardinal Ricardo Urrutia, the Archbishop of Lima, said the trip will involve young people, women who run community kitchens, and indigenous communities. The archbishop noted the Pope's close ties to Chiclayo, where he lived for several years. Pope Leo holds Peruvian citizenship. He was sent to Peru as a missionary in 1985 at age 30. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas and later Trujillo. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades.

The Vatican said the Pope is looking forward to the trip with great joy and enthusiasm. The Pope said he is looking forward to returning to the continent where he experienced many moments of his life. The Vatican also announced that the Pope would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27 on the recommendation of his doctors.