Pope Leo XIV has departed Rome for a 12-day tour of South America, beginning a major international visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru that is expected to attract millions of people.
The 71-year-old pontiff departed Rome on Friday, November 6, marking his first visit to Latin America since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
The journey is particularly significant because Leo spent nearly two decades serving as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru before his election as pope.
His visit also comes less than a month after he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, raising questions about his ability to undertake an extensive international programme.
The Vatican has, however, confirmed that the pontiff is medically fit to travel and does not require additional medical precautions.
THREE COUNTRIES ON THE ITINERARY
Pope Leo’s tour will take him through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, with planned visits to several cities, religious institutions and communities.
He is expected to begin the visit in Uruguay, where he will spend three days meeting religious leaders, government representatives and local communities.
The country is regarded as one of Latin America’s most secular societies, making the visit an important opportunity for the Catholic Church to strengthen its relationship with the population.
The pontiff will also visit Argentina, where he is scheduled to meet President Javier Milei and religious leaders.
His visit comes at a time of economic difficulties in the country, with concerns over poverty, unemployment and government spending cuts affecting vulnerable communities.
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Pope Leo is expected to engage with representatives of workers, businesses and social organisations during his stay.
The final and longest part of the journey will take place in Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and later as bishop of Chiclayo.
He is expected to visit several communities, including Lima, Cusco, Chiclayo and Pucallpa, with engagements focusing on poverty, environmental protection and the welfare of Indigenous populations.
HEALTH CONCERNS FOLLOWING SURGERY
The international tour comes shortly after Pope Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.
The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of localised lung adenocarcinoma.
His medical team subsequently indicated that he would not require further cancer treatment following the operation.
Despite the recovery, the demanding schedule has attracted attention from medical observers, particularly because some of his planned engagements involve travelling to high-altitude areas in the Peruvian Andes.
According to Reuters, the Vatican has maintained that the pope has recovered sufficiently to undertake the journey.
The pontiff is expected to complete 14 flights during the 12-day tour, covering more than 31,000 kilometres.
A RETURN TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY
The journey carries particular significance for Pope Leo because of his long association with Peru, where he spent approximately two decades working as a missionary priest and bishop.
His return is expected to attract large crowds, particularly in Chiclayo, where he served as bishop between 2015 and 2023.
The visit also provides an opportunity for the pontiff to address broader challenges affecting the region, including poverty, inequality, environmental destruction and organised crime.
Before departing for the journey, Pope Leo called on the faithful to pray for the success of his mission.
He said the visit should strengthen faith, renew hope and encourage greater commitment to charity.
The pontiff is expected to return to Rome on November 17, concluding one of the most significant international engagements of his papacy.
