Pope Leo Plans South American Tour After Lung Surgery
Pope Leo plans to travel to South America as scheduled after having surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung. The operation took place in Rome and was successful. Doctors removed a tumor from the lower part of the lung.
The 71-year-old pope is set to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. His trip will include stops in 10 cities, following the plan made before his surgery. He has said he is eager to return to the continent, where he spent many important years of his life.
Three Countries on the Itinerary
The journey will begin in Uruguay. Pope Leo is expected to visit the capital, Montevideo, along with other important cities in the country.
He will then travel to Argentina, including its capital, Buenos Aires. The final part of the tour will be in Peru, where about 76% of the population is Catholic. Planned stops there include Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa.
The visit to Peru is expected to include meetings with young people, women who help operate community kitchens, and members of Indigenous communities. The pope also has a personal connection to Chiclayo, where he lived for several years. He is a citizen of Peru.
Years of Service in Peru
Pope Leo first went to Peru as a missionary when he was 30. He joined a mission in Chulucanas, a town in the Piura region. The next year, he moved to serve with a mission in Trujillo.
He spent nearly three decades working between the United States and Peru. His time in the country helped build lasting ties with its people and communities. The planned visit will bring him back to places connected to that part of his life.
Recovery After Surgery
The pope shared that doctors had found a small growth in his lung. He said it was contained and had been found early, but his medical team advised removing it. The surgery lasted about an hour and a half. He later left the hospital in Rome.
His surgeon described his condition as very good after the operation and said there was no medical reason to cancel the trip. Since leaving the hospital, Pope Leo has been resting and slowly returning to his duties.
He is changing his daily schedule with guidance from his doctors. The goal is to protect his recovery while allowing him to continue his work as head of the Catholic Church. He has expressed thanks for the prayers and care people around the world have sent him.
The Tour Will Go Ahead
The pope is expected to follow the original travel plan, with visits across all three countries. His recovery will continue as he prepares for the journey, and his schedule will be managed with his health in mind.