The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Leo will proceed with his scheduled pastoral tour of South America in November, just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was diagnosed with a tumor on the lower part of his right lung, successfully underwent an operation in Rome on October 13 to remove the growth. The medical procedure lasted 90 minutes, and the Pope was subsequently discharged from Gemelli Hospital on October 17.
Despite the medical intervention, the Vatican announced that the Pope remains eager to carry out his trip as originally planned. The tour is slated to take place between November 6 and November 17, covering ten cities across three nations: Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The Pope expressed his anticipation for the visit, stating that he looks forward to returning to the continent where he has experienced significant moments throughout his life. Vatican officials noted he is approaching the journey with great joy and enthusiasm.
The itinerary is set to commence in Uruguay on November 8, with the Pope scheduled to visit the capital city of Montevideo among other locations. He will then travel to Argentina for a visit running from November 11 to November 17, which will include time in Buenos Aires. Following his stay in Argentina, the Pope will spend six days in Peru. In Peru, where approximately 76 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, his stops will include Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa. Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, has stated that the visit is expected to engage young people, local indigenous communities, and women who manage community kitchens.
The Pope holds a personal connection to Peru, having previously been granted citizenship. His history with the region dates back to 1985 when he arrived as a 30-year-old missionary sent by the Catholic Church. He served in the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas and later in the city of Trujillo. Before his elevation, he spent nearly three decades working between the United States and Peru, fostering ties that the Archbishop of Lima highlighted as particularly strong, especially with the people of Chiclayo.
Regarding his current health, the Pope’s surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, has described the pontiff's clinical condition as "absolutely satisfactory." Dr. Margaritora confirmed there were no medical reasons to prevent the upcoming tour, noting that post-operative tests indicated the cancer was localized. When announcing the diagnosis on October 11, the Pope had reassured followers that the growth was caught at an early stage and was well-contained.
Since his discharge, the Vatican has reported that the Pope is resting and gradually resuming his administrative and spiritual duties. To balance his recovery with his ministerial responsibilities, he has been adjusting his daily schedule in close consultation with his medical team. While the South American tour remains on schedule, the Vatican did confirm that a shorter, planned trip to Assisi, which was set for October 27, has been cancelled on the explicit recommendation of his doctors to allow for further recuperation.
The Pope has expressed his deep gratitude for the prayers and well-wishes received from the global community following his surgery. As he prepares for the November departure, the Vatican emphasized that he will adhere to the originally planned program for all ten cities, maintaining his commitment to his international itinerary despite his recent health challenges.
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