Pope Leo XIV has begun a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru weeks after lung cancer surgery, with millions expected at events across the region.
Why Is Pope Leo XIV Returning to South America Weeks After Lung Cancer Surgery?
Pope Leo XIV has departed for a 12-day visit to South America, returning to a region where he spent decades serving as a Catholic missionary and priest, just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff left on Friday, November 6, for a tour covering Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The journey, scheduled to run until November 17, is expected to attract millions of people and will be among the most demanding overseas trips undertaken by a pope in recent decades.
The Vatican said Leo had recovered from his October operation and did not require additional medical precautions for the trip. He is expected to travel approximately 31,000 kilometres across 10 cities and deliver 36 speeches.
Pope Leo’s South America Tour: A Return to His Missionary Roots
The visit has personal significance for Leo, who was born in Chicago in the United States but spent decades working in Peru before becoming pope. He also acquired Peruvian citizenship, making the country an important part of his personal and religious history.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni described the journey as a homecoming to places where the pope had spent considerable time and developed close connections.
During the tour, Leo will lead outdoor Masses, address government officials, visit an Argentine prison and travel by helicopter to remote communities in the Peruvian Andes.
The visit also marks an important moment for the Catholic Church in the region, where declining religious affiliation and competition from growing evangelical denominations have presented challenges.
Pope Leo to Address Political Instability and Regional Challenges
Beyond its religious significance, the tour is expected to focus on major political, social and environmental issues affecting South America.
The pope is scheduled to deliver speeches to the governments of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, addressing issues including environmental destruction, arms trafficking and political instability.
One of the closely watched engagements will be his meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday.
Milei, a right-wing libertarian and ally of US President Donald Trump, has been at the centre of political attention following disagreements over economic and international issues. Trump also criticised Leo earlier in the year after the pope spoke against the Iran war.
The meeting will attract attention because of the pope’s public comments on global leadership and the political direction of governments.
Pope Leo’s Visit Comes as Catholic Church Faces Challenges
Latin America remains the world’s largest Catholic region by absolute population, but the Church has experienced declining membership in several countries as evangelical denominations expand.
Church leaders are hoping the papal visit will strengthen religious participation and reconnect communities with Catholic institutions.
The Church is also facing reputational challenges following sexual abuse scandals involving members of the clergy.
The Vatican has confirmed that Leo will meet survivors of sexual abuse during the tour, although it has not released detailed information about the planned meetings.
The visit is therefore expected to address not only religious renewal but also accountability and the Church’s relationship with communities affected by abuse.
What Is Pope Leo’s Health Condition After Lung Cancer Surgery?
The South America tour comes less than a month after Leo underwent surgery for lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The operation took place in October, and doctors subsequently reported that the disease was localised and that no additional treatment would be necessary.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the pope had recovered sufficiently to undertake the journey without additional medical measures.
Medical experts who spoke to Reuters said clearance to travel indicated that the risk of complications was considered low and that the operated lung had expanded adequately.
However, experts suggested that the demanding schedule could require rest breaks and possible supplemental oxygen, particularly during visits to high-altitude areas in Peru.
Millions Expected at Pope Leo’s South America Events
The scale of the visit is expected to be significant, particularly in Argentina, where officials estimate that approximately seven million people could attend events involving the pontiff.
The tour also carries historical importance. The late Pope Francis, who was Argentine, visited Peru in 2018 but never returned to his home country during his papacy.
A pope has not visited Argentina or Uruguay since the late 1980s, making Leo’s journey a significant event for Catholics in both countries.
As the pontiff continues his 12-day visit, the Vatican will be seeking to strengthen the Church’s relationship with South American communities while delivering messages on faith, unity, social challenges and political responsibility.
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