Pope Leo XIV will go ahead with his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, after doctors determined there were no medical reasons preventing him from traveling three weeks after lung cancer surgery.
The Vatican press office said the pope’s recovery continues to make progress, in line with the positive assessment of his medical team. It also confirmed that the pope would maintain an already ambitious travel schedule, without announcing any changes.
On October 13, surgeons removed a lobe of a lung, which was later diagnosed as a malignant nodule. This was Leo’s first major health event in the 17 months since he became pope. Surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Since returning to the Vatican, Leo has gradually resumed his activities while adjusting his schedule to prioritize time for recovery and rest, the statement said.
The pope’s doctor, Luigi Carbone, said there was no medical reason to prevent Leo from traveling to South America, a trip that involved more than a dozen flights and two helicopters to high altitudes.
Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his recovery and expressed his desire to return to the area where he spent a significant part of his life.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the continent where I experienced so many moments of my life,” Leo said on Monday. “May this journey be an opportunity for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaim the Gospel with joy.”
The Vatican said the visit would provide the pope with an opportunity to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage the faithful and spread a message of faith, hope and peace in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.