Vatican confirms Pope Leo's November trip to South America

Pope Leo's trip to South America next month will go ahead as planned, the Vatican said Monday, confirming the papal visit nearly two weeks after the pontiff's lung-cancer surgery.

"The Holy See Press Office confirms that the Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled for 6–17 November 2026, will proceed according to the programme previously published," said the Vatican in a note. 

Leo, 71, underwent successful surgery on October 13 at Rome's Gemelli hospital to remove a cancerous tumour on the lower part of his right lung. 

He was released on October 17, with his surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, saying he was in an "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition."

Although Margaritora said then that there were "no clinical reasons" why the South America trip should not go ahead, some pope watchers had speculated that the voyage would be modified in some way.

The Vatican said Friday that Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi on October 27, on the recommendation of his doctors. 

'Joy and enthusiam'

The Vatican said the Pope was looking forward "with great joy and enthusiasm" to the South America trip. 

"I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life," said the pontiff, who spent two decades in Peru as a missionary. 

The Vatican disclosed on Wednesday that Leo would need no further therapy, with tests showing that the cancer was "localised."

The pope has gradually resumed his work, "adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritise his recovery while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of his ministry," the Vatican said. 

The Pope was "remaining attentive to the needs of each day and allowing for appropriate periods of rest," it said, adding that Leo was "deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world."

Argentina leg

Pope Leo is due to arrive in Argentina on Sunday, November 8, staying in the country until Wednesday, November 11.

His itinerary will include engagements in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján.

The pontiff is due to touch down at 4.30pm on November 8 at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires City on a flight from Uruguay.

Later that day, the pontiff will meet with President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, as well as deliver a speech at the Palacio Libertad.

On Monday, November 9, Leo will visit the Cottolengo Don Orione in the town of Claypole, Buenos Aires Province. At 11.30 am, he will celebrate Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires City.

The following day, Leo will travel to the province of Córdoba to celebrate Mass at 10.00 am at the Military Aviation School and, in the afternoon, he will return to Buenos Aires for a youth vigil in Palermo.

On his final day, he will visit Devoto Prison and celebrate the closing Mass at the Basilica of Luján, before departing close to 2pm from Ezeiza Airport, bound for Lima.

– TIMES/AFP/NA