Pope Leo XIV begins Latin America tour after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV departed on a 12-day tour of Latin America on Nov. 6, 2026, marking his first major international trip since undergoing lung cancer surgery three weeks ago. The 71-year-old pontiff is scheduled to visit 10 cities across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru before concluding his journey on Nov. 17.

The itinerary for the trip is demanding, involving 14 flights and two helicopter rides. The travel schedule includes stops at high-altitude locations, such as Cuzco, Peru, which sits at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet. The Vatican confirmed the trip will proceed as planned following medical assessments.

The Pope underwent a lobectomy on Oct. 13, 2026, to remove a malignant nodule from his right lung. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli Hospital, led the surgical team. Following the procedure, the Pope's physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, evaluated the pontiff's clinical status and laboratory results, concluding there were no medical contraindications for the travel.

While the surgery had initially raised questions about the feasibility of the tour, the Vatican stated that the Pope's recovery has progressed well. As a precautionary measure, the pontiff recently canceled a planned helicopter trip to Assisi due to concerns regarding unpressurized air.

In a statement regarding the journey, Pope Leo XIV expressed his anticipation for the visit, noting his connection to the continent. He stated that he hopes the trip will serve as an occasion to strengthen communion and renew a commitment to his mission.