In brief
Following a successful 90‑minute operation to excise a lung tumour, Pope Leo XIV confirmed his forthcoming South American tour, set to visit ten cities across Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6‑17 November. Doctors report the cancer was localised and the pontiff is in satisfactory condition, prompting the Vatican to green‑light the itinerary. The trip will begin in Montevideo, continue through Buenos Aires and spend six days in Peru, where the Pope holds a special connection as a citizen and former missionary. He announced the surgery in St. Peter’s Square and expressed gratitude for global prayers, while a cancelled stop in Assisi was held back by medical counsel.
In the wake of a successful operation to remove a tumour from the lower lobe of his right lung, the 71‑year‑old pontiff has confirmed that his South American tour – originally slated for 6‑17 November – will proceed as planned.
The Vatican announced that the surgical procedure, completed on 13 October at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, lasted about 90 minutes. Surgeon Stefano Margaritora described the Pope’s condition as "absolutely satisfactory" and noted that there were no clinical reasons for cancelling the trip. Tests indicated the cancer was localised and the patient has recovered sufficiently to resume his duties.
The itinerary includes ten cities: the trip opens in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 8 November and continues through several key locales before moving on to Buenos Aires and other sites in Argentina from 11‑17 November. The final leg visits Peru from 12‑17 November, with stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. The Peruvian archbishop highlighted the Pope’s long‑standing ties with the country, noting his dual citizenship and missionary work in the 1980s.
In a public address on 11 October, the Pope himself revealed the diagnosis during his weekly prayers in St. Peter’s Square. He reassured pilgrims that the growth was "well‑contained" and "catch[e]d at an early stage", and thanked the world for its prayers and affection.
Although a scheduled visit to Assisi on 27 October was postponed on medical advice, the Vatican emphasised its confidence that the Pope’s health will allow him to carry out the South American pilgrimage.
For further details, see the Vatican’s official statements and accompanying press releases.
