Pope Leo in 'pretty good health' as he starts Latin America tour
Pope Leo XIV started a South American tour on November 9, 2026, visiting Uruguay just three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery that removed part of his lung. The pontiff, described as being in 'pretty good health,' began a demanding travel schedule that will take him through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru over the next 12 days. His itinerary comes less than a month after the operation, raising questions about the pace and risks of his papal duties given his recent medical history.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day Latin America tour starting in Uruguay on November 9, 2026.
- ✓ The Pope had part of a lung removed in surgery approximately three weeks before his tour began.
- ✓ Pope Leo is in 'pretty good health' as he starts his Latin America tour.
- ✓ The tour will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru over 12 days.
What changed
Pope Leo began his Latin American tour in Uruguay on November 9, 2026, marking his first major international trip since lung cancer surgery three weeks earlier.
Live updates
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Pope Leo begins Latin America tour in 'pretty good health' after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV started a South American tour on November 9, 2026, visiting Uruguay just three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery that removed part of his lung. The pontiff, described as being in 'pretty good health,' began a demanding travel schedule that will take him through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru over the next 12 days. His itinerary comes less than a month after the operation, raising questions about the pace and risks of his papal duties given his recent medical history.
Why it matters
The Pope's Latin America tour represents his first major international journey since being elected and recovering from significant cancer surgery. Leo XIV has dual citizenship—American and Peruvian—and has expressed deep personal ties to the region, even giving a Spanish shoutout to Peruvians from St. Peter's Basilica balcony after his election. The timing of this tour just weeks after lung cancer surgery has drawn attention to how his health will manage the physical demands of papal ministry.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day Latin America tour starting in Uruguay on November 9, 2026.
- The Pope had part of a lung removed in surgery approximately three weeks before his tour began.
- Pope Leo is in 'pretty good health' as he starts his Latin America tour.
- The tour will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru over 12 days.
- Pope Leo holds Peruvian citizenship and has deep personal ties to the country.
- Flags and painted faces welcomed Pope Leo to Montevideo upon his arrival.
What to watch next
- Pope Leo's medical condition and ability to complete the full 12-day tour without complications
- Official statements from Vatican medical team regarding his post-surgery recovery timeline
- Any changes to the planned itinerary in Argentina or Peru during the tour
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
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- NBC News — Pope Leo XIV, who had cancer surgery just weeks ago, begins grueling South American tour
- AP News — Pope Leo XIV begins 3-day South American visit in Uruguay less than a month after his lung surgery
- www.bbc.com — Pope Leo heads to Latin America weeks after lung cancer surgery
- BBC — Pope Leo in 'pretty good health' as he starts Latin America tour
- Vatican News — Flags and painted faces welcome Pope Leo to Montevideo
- www.inquirer.com — A still-recovering pope will head home to Latin America and his beloved Peru for a 12-day trip
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