--- title: "Pope Embarks on Latin America Trip After Lung Cancer Surgery" url: https://noti.group/pope-embarks-on-latin-america-trip-after-lung-cancer-surgery/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-11-06T00:02:57.000Z updated: 2026-11-06T08:34:19.932Z id: f9c338c8-6df7-4873-ac5c-a358da950298 source: "BBC News World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqn06j0y61k6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/pope-embarks-on-latin-america-trip-after-lung-cancer-surgery/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Pope Embarks on Latin America Trip After Lung Cancer Surgery The Pope is embarking on a 12-day tour of Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. Pope Leo XIV is embarking on a lengthy trip to Latin America just three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope will visit Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina during his tour, which includes a highly anticipated "homecoming to Peru where he served as a priest for many years. Despite recent health concerns, the Vatican downplayed any extraordinary measures being taken to protect the Pope's well-being, describing him as a 71-year-old who has undergone an operation rather than someone with a permanent medical condition. This stance is in line with comments made by the Pope himself last month when he revealed that doctors had discovered a tumour during a routine scan. The growth was successfully removed along with the lower lobe of his right lung, and medical tests confirmed that the cancer had not spread to other parts of his body. The Vatican has emphasized that the Pope is in good health and is eager to continue with his busy schedule, which includes multiple events and engagements during his trip to Latin America. A senior official at the Vatican briefed journalists ahead of the trip, highlighting the Pope's fantastic stamina and enthusiasm for the upcoming tour, which he had personally confirmed without any changes. This marks a swift return to work for the Pope following his surgery, a testament to his resilience and commitment to his duties as head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo's 12-day tour of Latin America will be a challenging journey, covering thousands of miles and incorporating multiple long-haul flights as he travels from the Amazon to the Andes region. The trip begins in Uruguay, where the number of Catholics has significantly declined over recent years, making it the first Papal visit to the country in four decades. This marks an important milestone for the Catholic community in Uruguay. The Pope's presence is expected to have a significant impact on the local population. As the tour progresses, Pope Leo will make his way to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Addolorata, Argentina's national church in Rome, has expressed excitement about the visit, which he sees as a tribute to Pope Francis. The priest has been instrumental in organizing events and activities to coincide with the Pope's arrival. Back in Rome, preparations are underway for parishioners who cannot attend the trip in person. Father Laguna is installing a big screen inside Santa Maria Addolorata to allow them to follow key moments of the tour from afar. Posters declaring Bienvenido (welcome) have been put up around the church, reflecting the enthusiasm and anticipation building among the local community for Pope Leo's visit. The Pope's itinerary for his time in Argentina has sparked concerns about potential tensions between him and the country's President Javier Milei. Milei has been a vocal critic of the Pope's emphasis on social justice and helping the poor, labeling him evil on earth" and a "communist. In response, Argentine bishops have criticized Milei's austerity measures, which have led to significant cuts in social spending. Despite this backdrop, President Milei has attempted to project a welcoming image, posting on X that Argentina awaits the Pope with immense joy. However, his words seem at odds with his past criticisms of the Pope. The visit is expected to draw large crowds, with millions anticipated to turn out to greet the Pontiff. The highlight of the Pope's trip to Latin America will come when he reaches Peru, which the Vatican describes as a return to his roots. A spokesperson noted that he knows these streets", highlighting the significant time the Pope spent in the country before being appointed to the Vatican. This experience is seen as having played a crucial role in shaping his papacy. The Pope's schedule for Peru includes a visit to the diocese of Chiclayo, where he was ordained bishop over eight years ago. He will also travel to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, to celebrate Mass at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Additionally, he is set to visit Pucallpa in the Amazon. The Pope's time in Peru is expected to be a poignant moment in his trip, given his deep connection to the country and its people. His experiences in Peru have had a lasting impact on his papacy, making this leg of his journey particularly significant. The Pope's visit to Latin America is significant not just for its geographical scope, but also for its thematic focus on reconciliation and healing. Meetings have been planned with survivors of clerical sexual abuse in each country, a contentious issue that marred the 2018 visits by his predecessor. Professor Faggioli, an expert on papal diplomacy, believes this trip is an opportunity for Pope Leo to reconnect with Latin America after Francis's tumultuous visits. He notes that the current pontiff has a deep understanding of the region and its people, which will serve him well in addressing the numerous challenges facing the continent. The visit's success will be closely watched, particularly if it sets the stage for a potential trip to the United States, where the Pope's relationship with President Trump remains uncertain. --- Source: [BBC News World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqn06j0y61k6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/pope-embarks-on-latin-america-trip-after-lung-cancer-surgery/