Pope Leo Confirms 10 City Tour After Lung Cancer Removal

Pope Leo will visit 10 cities in South America starting in November, a decision made clear by the Vatican on Friday. The confirmation comes after the pontiff underwent surgery on 13 October to remove a tumor from the lower part of his right lung. The Vatican stated that the 71-year-old is looking forward to the journey with great joy and enthusiasm.

The health scare began in early October when doctors identified a nodule during a routine examination. Leo announced the diagnosis to the public on 11 October during his weekly Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square. He described the growth as well-contained and caught at an early stage. The surgical procedure lasted 90 minutes, and the pope was discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on 17 October. Surgeon Stefano Margaritora reported that the cancer was localized and that the patient is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition.

The Vatican confirmed that Leo will follow the original program without changes. The trip begins in Uruguay on 8 November, with stops in Montevideo and other key cities. He will move to Argentina from 11 to 17 November, including a visit to the capital, Buenos Aires. The final leg of the tour takes place in Peru, where he will spend six days. Roughly 76 percent of the Peruvian population is Catholic. He is scheduled to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Uribe, the Archbishop of Lima, noted that the itinerary includes engagements with young people, women who manage community kitchens, and members of indigenous communities. The archbishop pointed out the pope's deep personal connection to Chiclayo, where Leo lived for several years. The Catholic Church originally sent him to Peru as a missionary in 1985. At the time, he was 30 years old. He joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas in the Piura department and moved to Trujillo the following year. He worked between the United States and Peru for nearly three decades.

Since his operation, Leo has been resting and gradually resuming his duties. The Vatican said he is adjusting his daily schedule with his doctors to prioritize recovery while fulfilling his ministry. The office added that he is deeply grateful for the prayers and affection received from around the world. In a separate update, the Vatican said Friday that Leo will cancel a planned trip to Assisi on 27 October on the recommendation of his doctors.