The Holy See confirmed this Monday, October 26, that Pope Leo XIV will make his apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, after the latest medical checks ruled out any contraindications for travel.
The decision comes two weeks after the Pontiff underwent surgery to remove a lung tumor.
«It fills me with joy to return to the continent where I have lived so many moments of my life», Leo XIV expressed in a message released alongside the communiqué on his recovery.
The Pope hopes the visit will be an opportunity to strengthen communion among the local Churches and renew the commitment to proclaim the Gospel.
The confirmation dispels doubts about the trip, whose celebration had been pending the Pontiff’s medical progress.
As InfoVaticana reported on October 20, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, had stated that the Uruguayan Church was continuing with preparations, although it was still awaiting definitive confirmation from the Holy See.
Doctors rule out contraindications for travel
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Pontiff’s healthcare coordinator, has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative recovery continues to progress favorably.
The latest medical examinations, diagnostic tests, and laboratory analyses show a good general condition and positive clinical evolution.
According to the communiqué, «there are no contraindications» preventing the Pope from undertaking his next apostolic journey, scheduled in eleven days.
The Holy See explained that, since returning to the Vatican, Leo XIV has gradually resumed his activities, adapting his daily schedule to medical recommendations and reserving rest periods to support his recovery.
The Pontiff has maintained commitments and public activities in recent days while following the healthcare team’s instructions.
Recovery after lung surgery
Leo XIV underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after a tumor was detected.
On October 21, the Holy See confirmed that definitive histological analyses had identified a localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The subsequent oncological evaluation concluded that no additional treatment was necessary.
The Pontiff’s recovery has been accompanied by adjustments to his schedule. The Vatican had reported that doctors advised against his trip to Assisi for the prayer meeting for peace scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.
Confirmation of the trip to Latin America marks a new step in resuming his normal activities, although the communiqué stresses that the Pope will continue to follow medical recommendations.
Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru: eleven days of apostolic journey
The itinerary, officially announced last August, remains in line with the program published by the Holy See.
The first stage will take place in Uruguay, from November 6 to 8, with visits to Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida. Subsequently, Leo XIV will travel to Argentina, from November 8 to 11, where meetings are planned in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján.
The final stage will be Peru, from November 11 to 17, with activities in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
The stop in Peru will have particular significance for Leo XIV, who carried out an important part of his ministry there as an Augustinian missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo.
«Renewing our commitment to proclaim the Gospel with joy»
In his message, the Pope expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Latin America, a continent with which he maintains a close personal and pastoral connection.
«It fills me with joy to return to the continent where I have lived so many moments of my life. May this journey be an occasion to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaim the Gospel with joy», he stated.
The Holy See noted that the trip will allow the strengthening of ties with the local Churches, encourage the faithful in their mission, and bring a message of faith, hope, and peace to the peoples of the three countries.
Leo XIV also expressed gratitude for the prayers and expressions of affection received during his recovery, as well as for the care of the healthcare professionals who have accompanied him since the surgery.