Pope Leo XIV has begun a 12-day tour of Latin America, arriving in Uruguay on Friday, November 6, for the first leg of a three-nation visit that will also take him to Argentina and Peru.
The trip marks the 71-year-old pontiff’s first major international journey since reportedly undergoing surgery in October to remove a localized cancerous tumour from his right lung.
The Pope departed Rome on Friday morning after reportedly receiving medical clearance to travel, beginning an extensive itinerary that includes religious ceremonies, public addresses and meetings with political and community leaders.
According to the reported medical details, Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove an adenocarcinoma from the lower lobe of his right lung. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, subsequently cleared him for international travel after follow-up examinations reportedly indicated that the cancer was localized and did not require additional oncological treatment.
The journey will cover approximately 19,000 miles and involve 12 flights, two helicopter trips, nine Masses and 36 speeches over 12 days.
The demanding schedule also includes a visit to Cusco, Peru, situated more than 11,000 feet above sea level, adding a physically challenging element to the Pope’s first major trip following surgery.
Uruguay welcomes first papal visit in nearly four decades
Uruguay is hosting its first papal visit since 1988, with Pope Leo scheduled to spend three days in the country from November 6 to 8.
The visit carries particular significance because Uruguay is widely regarded as one of Latin America’s most secular countries, with more than half of its population identifying as religiously unaffiliated.
The country’s secular traditions are also reflected in its official calendar, where Christmas is designated as Family Day and Holy Week is commonly referred to as Tourism Week.
During his stay, Leo is expected to visit Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida, participating in religious services and community engagements.
His itinerary also includes Casavalle, a disadvantaged neighbourhood on the outskirts of Montevideo that has faced challenges involving poverty, drug trafficking and gang violence.
The visit is expected to emphasize the Catholic Church’s outreach to marginalized communities and its role in addressing social inequality and violence.
Argentina visit to include meeting with President Javier Milei
Following his visit to Uruguay, Pope Leo will travel to Argentina, where he is scheduled to meet President Javier Milei and participate in religious engagements in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján.
The visit carries historical significance because Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, was born in Argentina but never returned to his homeland during his 12-year papacy.
The Pope’s visit comes amid political debate over economic austerity, poverty and government spending in Argentina. His engagements are expected to draw attention to the challenges facing vulnerable communities and the Catholic Church’s role in addressing social and economic inequality.
Peru visit marks personal homecoming for pontiff
The final leg of the tour will take Pope Leo to Peru, where he spent more than two decades serving as a missionary priest and bishop before becoming head of the Catholic Church.
Born in Chicago, Leo also holds Peruvian citizenship and previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
His scheduled visits to Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa will bring him back to communities where he developed longstanding religious and personal connections.
During his stay, the pontiff is expected to address concerns surrounding poverty, environmental degradation, arms trafficking and social inequality.
The visit is also expected to include a private meeting with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, as the Catholic Church continues to face demands for greater accountability and institutional reform.
The Vatican has emphasized that the journey is intended to strengthen relationships with Catholic communities across Latin America while promoting messages of faith, reconciliation and peace.
The 12-day tour, scheduled to conclude on November 17, represents a significant undertaking for the pontiff following his recent surgery and comes at a time when the Catholic Church faces declining religious affiliation and growing social challenges across parts of the region.
