Pope Leo has begun a 12-day tour of South America just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, returning to a region where he spent decades as a missionary and pastor before becoming pontiff.
The 71-year-old left Rome on Friday for visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in what the Vatican has described as one of the most demanding journeys of his papacy.
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Pope returns to region he calls home
The trip carries particular emotional significance because Leo spent around two decades working in Peru and later became a Peruvian citizen.
He served in Chiclayo and other parts of the country before rising through the leadership of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has described the tour as a homecoming to places that helped shape his pastoral life.
Surgery raised questions over tour
Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors detected a cancerous tumor.
The operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, but doctors later said the cancer had been localized and no further treatment was required.
The Vatican says he has recovered sufficiently to travel and does not require special medical precautions during the tour.
31,000-kilometre journey across three countries
The Pope is expected to travel about 31,000 kilometres and visit 10 cities before returning to Rome on November 17.
His schedule includes dozens of speeches, outdoor Masses, meetings with political leaders and visits to remote communities.
The itinerary also includes helicopter travel and a stop in high-altitude Cusco, making the journey physically demanding despite his recent operation.
Uruguay first stop
Uruguay is the first destination on the tour and presents a different challenge for the Catholic Church because it is one of Latin America’s most secular countries.
Leo is expected to engage with communities affected by poverty and violence while also addressing social issues including abortion and assisted dying.
The visit is part of wider efforts by the Church to reconnect with populations where Catholic affiliation has declined.
Argentina visit to include Milei meeting
The Pope will then travel to Argentina, where he is expected to honour the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Leo is also scheduled to meet President Javier Milei during a visit expected to touch on poverty, economic hardship and social policy.
The meeting comes after periods of tension between the Vatican and the Argentine government over several political and international issues.
Peru expected to be emotional centre of tour
Peru is expected to be the most personal part of the journey.
Leo spent years serving there as a priest and bishop and has frequently spoken about the country’s influence on his ministry.
His itinerary includes visits to Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa, where he is expected to meet local communities and address issues including poverty, Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
Pope expected to address wider regional challenges
Beyond the personal significance of the trip, Leo is expected to speak about political instability, organized crime, arms trafficking, environmental destruction and inequality across Latin America.
The tour also comes at a time when the Catholic Church is confronting declining membership in parts of the region and continued scrutiny over clerical abuse scandals.
Despite concerns following his surgery, Vatican officials say the Pope is in good health and able to complete the full itinerary.
The tour runs until November 17.
