Pope Leo XIV begins South American tour weeks after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV has begun a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, just three weeks after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung. The trip is a major test of his recovery and a chance to resume a demanding public schedule, while his planned return to Peru carries personal significance after years of service there.

The Vatican says the cancer had not spread and that no special health measures are planned, describing the surgery as a short episode. The itinerary includes long flights and thousands of miles of travel, meetings with political leaders and religious events; Argentina’s visit also honours Pope Francis, while Peru is where Leo spent nearly 20 years and held Peruvian citizenship.