Pope Leo Begins South American Tour After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo on November 6, beginning a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru less than a month after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The visit is his first major overseas trip since the October 13 operation and the longest journey of his papacy so far. Vatican officials said the cancer was localized, required no further treatment and that Leo had been cleared to travel after completing his recovery period. The medical information has come from the Vatican; the reports on the tour do not include an independent assessment of his condition. Leo told reporters aboard the papal plane that he felt fairly good and was convinced the trip should proceed. The schedule spans 10 cities and includes numerous flights, public Masses and meetings with government leaders. Leo’s first stop is Uruguay, where the program includes Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida. He is scheduled to travel to Argentina on November 8 for three days, then continue to Peru from November 11 through November 17. The Peru leg is a return to a country where Leo spent about two decades as a missionary priest and bishop and holds citizenship. Stops there include Chiclayo,...