Vatican Clears Pope Leo for November Tour Weeks After Tumor Removal

The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo will keep his South American travel plans after surgeons removed a tumor from his right lung in Rome.

The 71-year-old announced the diagnosis during Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square on 11 October, telling the crowd that doctors found a nodule on his lung. He said the growth was "well-contained" and caught "at an early stage," but physicians advised removal. The operation took 90 minutes on 13 October, and he left Gemelli hospital on 17 October.

His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, reported an "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and said there were "no clinical reasons" why he should not travel. Tests showed the cancer was "localised." The Vatican said the pope has rested since the procedure, adjusting his daily schedule with his doctors to prioritize recovery while continuing his ministry.

The tour runs 6 to 17 November across three countries. He starts in Uruguay on 8 November, visiting Montevideo and other cities, then moves to Argentina from 11 to 17 November, including Buenos Aires. Peru follows for six days, with stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco and Pucallpa. About 76% of Peru's population is Catholic, according to Vatican News.

Cardinal Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima, said the Peru leg will include young people, women who run community kitchens and members of indigenous communities. He noted Leo's years in Chiclayo. The Church sent Leo to Peru as a missionary in 1985 at age 30; he joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, then the Trujillo mission the next year, and worked between the US and Peru for almost three decades. He holds Peruvian citizenship. "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life," Leo said.

The Vatican also said Leo would cancel a planned trip to Assisi set for 27 October on doctors' advice. He is "deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world," the Vatican said.