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Pope Leo XIV Cleared for Latin America Trip After Lung Surgery
Confirmed
In Short: Bishops' conferences across Latin America have urged prayers for the health of Pope Leo XIV, whose visit remains significant after his surgery.
Pope Leo XIV, 71, has been cleared by doctors to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru for a major visit from November 6 to 17, 2026, following successful lung surgery on October 13. The surgery was performed to remove a localized nodule detected during routine check-ups.
During a gathering in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Leo informed the public about his health condition, stating, 'It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined. The doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.'
The Vatican confirmed that the surgical procedure was successful and without complications. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that the condition was localized and no further oncological treatment is necessary, allowing the Pope to proceed with his planned apostolic journey.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for the prayers and care he has received during his recovery. 'The Holy Father remains deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world and for the dedicated care of the medical professionals who have accompanied him during his recovery,' the Vatican stated.
The Pope's upcoming trip to Latin America is significant, as it will be the first papal visit to Uruguay since St. John Paul II's visit in 1988. The journey will include meetings with Presidents Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay and Javier Milei of Argentina, as well as events with young people, workers, and prisoners.
The Vatican emphasized that the visit aims to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage the faithful, and promote a message of faith, hope, and peace in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. 'May this journey be an opportunity to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy,' Pope Leo XIV wrote on his X account.
The head of Argentina’s episcopal conference, speaking ahead of the Pope's trip, noted that Leo XIV will visit as a pastor and Peter’s successor, not as a political actor. 'He comes as a pastor and as Peter’s successor, not as a political actor,' the statement read.
Bishops' conferences across Latin America have urged prayers for the health of Pope Leo XIV, whose visit remains significant after his surgery. 'May she shelter him beneath her mantle, strengthen him during this time of trial, and grant him serenity and solace,' said a statement from the bishops.
What this adds
The Pope's health issues are a concern, especially given the recent hospitalizations of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who faced multiple health difficulties in his final months.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Latin America will include a series of open-air Masses and meetings with various groups, reflecting the region's diverse religious and social landscape.
Background
Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, 2026, after doctors cleared him for travel following lung cancer surgery.
Bishops' conferences across Latin America have urged prayers for the health of Pope Leo XIV, whose visit remains significant after his surgery.
What's confirmed
- Leo is preparing for a major visit to Latin America from Nov. 6 to 17, where he is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
- “May this journey be an opportunity to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy,” the Holy Father wrote, nearly two weeks after undergoing lung surgery on Oct. 13.
- 26, confirming his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, which will take place in November.
- “It fills me with joy to return to the continent where I have lived through so many moments of my life,” Pope Leo XIV wrote on his X account on Oct.
- The Vatican said the visit will provide an opportunity for the pope to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage the faithful and promote a message of faith, hope and peace in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
- From there, he will travel to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.
- Argentina (OSV News) — Bishops’ conferences across Latin America urged prayers for the health of Pope Leo XIV, whose visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains uncertain after he underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
- Pope Leo XIV is set to be the first pope to visit Uruguay since St.
What's still developing
- Health problems clouded over previous popes, with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, spending an extended period in hospital and facing multiple health difficulties in the final months of his life.
- Leo is relatively young for a pope, and generally seen to be in good health.
- “The Pope is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church,” it added.
- Pope Francis, in a message in 2013 for the priest’s beatification — a ceremony scheduled before the Argentine pope was elected — said Father Brochero “did not stay in the sacristy combing the sheep,” but went out in search of the lost.
- According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope wants not only to stand alongside survivors but also to help develop accessible paths toward healing and ensure that the Church becomes a safe and spiritually healthy environment in which the Gospel can be lived and proclaimed.