Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on a 12-day tour of Latin America, just three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, with a highly anticipated return to Peru expected to be the highlight of the trip.
The visit, which will take him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, comes as the Vatican seeks to reassure the public about the Pope’s health, insisting that no extraordinary medical arrangements have been made for the journey.
Vatican spokeswoman said the 71-year-old pontiff had shown “fantastic stamina” and was “extremely enthusiastic” about the itinerary, which he personally approved without any changes.
The Pope disclosed last month that doctors had discovered a tumour during a routine medical scan. Surgeons subsequently removed the growth together with the lower lobe of his right lung, with his medical team confirming that the cancer had not spread.
Despite the recent operation, Leo has resumed his public duties, attending audiences and delivering speeches in the days leading up to the trip.
Professor Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University told the BBC that the Vatican was keen to communicate that the Pope's surgery was a brief medical episode and that he had returned to his normal schedule.
He, however, acknowledged that the 12-day tour would be physically demanding, involving several long-distance flights and thousands of miles of travel across different terrains, from the Amazon to the Andes.
Uruguay and Argentina visits
Uruguay will be the first stop on the Pope's itinerary, marking the country's first papal visit in four decades.
The visit comes amid a significant decline in the number of Catholics in the South American nation.
Leo will then travel to Argentina, the home country of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who never visited his homeland during his papacy.
The Argentine leg will include engagements with political leaders and religious communities, with millions expected to turn out to welcome the pontiff.
Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Addolorata, Argentina's national church in Rome, described the visit as a moment of great joy for Argentinians.
He said the trip would also serve as a tribute to Pope Francis, adding that he had always believed Leo would visit Argentina despite his recent health challenges.
The visit could also carry political significance given the strained relationship between the Catholic Church and Argentina's President Javier Milei.
Milei previously criticised Pope Francis over his advocacy for social justice and support for the poor, describing him as “evil on earth” and a “communist”.
Argentina's Catholic bishops have also questioned Milei's austerity policies, particularly sweeping cuts to social spending.
However, the president has already welcomed Leo's planned visit, saying in a post on X that Argentina was awaiting him with “immense joy”.
Peru homecoming to highlight tour
Peru is expected to be the most significant stop on the Pope's itinerary, with the Vatican describing the visit as a return to his roots.
Born in the United States as Robert Prevost, Leo spent nearly two decades in Peru, where he served as a priest and later a bishop. He also holds Peruvian citizenship.
His years in the country are considered influential in shaping his religious leadership and approach to his papacy.
During the visit, he will return to the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he was ordained bishop in 2014 and served until Pope Francis appointed him to a senior Vatican position several years later.
He will also travel to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where he is scheduled to celebrate Mass at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres above sea level.
The final leg will take him to Pucallpa in the Amazon region.
Clerical abuse survivors on itinerary
Beyond the religious celebrations and diplomatic engagements, the Pope is also scheduled to meet survivors of clerical sexual abuse in all three countries.
The issue remains a significant challenge for the Catholic Church, particularly following allegations and criticism that overshadowed Pope Francis' 2018 visit to Chile and Peru.
Professor Faggioli said the tour offered Leo an opportunity to strengthen the Catholic Church's relationship with Latin America following Francis' papacy, during which relations with parts of the region were not always smooth.
He also noted that Leo appeared keen to promote unity across the Americas at a time when democratic institutions in several countries face growing challenges.
The Pope's possible future visit to the United States also remains a subject of interest, particularly given the country's political climate under President Donald Trump.
Although Leo has expressed interest in travelling to the US, questions remain over whether such a visit could take place while Trump remains in office.
