Vatican Clears Pope Leo for November South America Trip

Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 after the Holy See Press Office said recent medical examinations found no contraindications to the journey. The Vatican said the trip would proceed as planned, with no changes to the published agenda. The announcement followed surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung. Reports identify the condition as lung adenocarcinoma. Citing the pope’s personal physician, Luigi Carbone, the Holy See Press Office said Leo’s recovery continued and that his latest examinations showed a favorable clinical condition. The clearance was based on his current clinical status and test results. The planned tour includes visits to the three countries where Leo is expected to take part in religious events and public engagements. The itinerary is described as covering 10 cities, about 31,000 kilometers and 36 speeches. The Vatican said the previously published program remained in place after the medical assessment. Leo also addressed the trip publicly on October 26 in a Spanish-language post on X, saying he was glad to return to the continent where he had lived significant moments. He served as a...