Pope Leo Begins 12-Day Latin America Trip Weeks After Surgery
Pope Leo XIV is beginning a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. He had lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13.
- 71-year-old Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed.
- His medical team confirmed the cancer had not spread.
- 1988 was Uruguay's last papal visit before this one.
- Survivors of clerical sexual abuse will meet him in all three countries.
Why it matters: The trip shows whether Leo can keep a demanding schedule while he recovers. Vatican officials say he passed the 14-day convalescence period his doctors required.
- Uruguay is the region's most secular country, with low Mass attendance.
- Argentina's bishops have criticized President Javier Milei's austerity cuts.
How 16 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage differs on whether public enthusiasm in secular Uruguay signals renewed faith or only a warm welcome.
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center focuses on the pope's health, his homecoming to Peru, political sensitivities in Argentina and mixed local reactions in Uruguay.
Left coverage, 5 sources: The left frames the trip as a recovering pope seeking to revive Catholic roots in secular Uruguay, a country that legalized abortion, same-sex marriage and assisted dying.
What’s next: Leo holds a prayer vigil at Montevideo's Centenario Stadium. He then says Masses in Paysandú and Florida.
- In Peru, he visits Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa in the Amazon.
- How will Leo's health hold up over 12 days of long-haul and local flights?
- Will Leo and Milei address their disagreements over social spending in public?
- Will Leo visit the United States while President Donald Trump is in office?
