Pope Leo XIV has received medical clearance to proceed with his scheduled 12-day journey to South America following surgery for lung cancer earlier this month. The Vatican confirmed on Monday, October 26, 2026, that the 71-year-old pontiff will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 through November 17, with no changes to his planned itinerary.
The announcement follows medical examinations that showed favorable recovery from an October 13 operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed that the cancer was localized and that additional cancer treatment is not necessary.
The trip will be one of the most demanding international journeys of Leo's papacy. It includes stops in 10 cities, numerous public appearances and travel to high-altitude locations in Peru.
Vatican Doctors Confirm Favorable Recovery
Pope Leo underwent surgery at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital after doctors identified a suspicious growth in his right lung. Laboratory examinations performed during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The Vatican reported that surgeons used a video-assisted procedure to remove the affected lower lung lobe. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, and the medical team reported no complications.
Leo remained hospitalized for several days while doctors monitored his recovery. He was discharged on October 17 and returned to the Vatican, where he began gradually resuming his official responsibilities.
Follow-up examinations established that the cancer was localized. On October 22, Vatican doctors announced that no additional cancer treatment was required, removing one major uncertainty surrounding the pope's immediate health.
The pope's personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, subsequently reviewed his condition ahead of the international journey. According to the Vatican's October 26 statement, medical tests and laboratory results showed that Leo was recovering well.
The medical team found no contraindications preventing him from making the trip. The Vatican emphasized that the pope continues to follow medical recommendations and adjusts his daily schedule to allow sufficient rest.
South America Trip Remains on Schedule
The November 6–17 journey will take Pope Leo to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, covering approximately 31,000 kilometers, or 19,300 miles. The itinerary includes 10 cities, approximately 36 speeches and a demanding schedule of religious services, meetings and public engagements.
One particularly challenging destination is Cuzco, Peru, located more than 11,000 feet above sea level. The city's altitude creates additional physical demands for travelers, making the pope's recent lung surgery especially relevant to preparations.
The itinerary also involves numerous flights, including helicopter travel to locations at higher elevations. Vatican officials have confirmed that the published program remains unchanged despite the pope's recent medical procedures.
Reuters reported that the journey will rank among the most intensive foreign trips undertaken by a Catholic leader in decades. Its combination of long-distance flights, public events and high-altitude destinations presents a substantial schedule for someone recovering from major surgery.
The Vatican has not announced any reductions in the planned engagements. However, officials say Leo is following medical guidance as he prepares for the journey.
Pope Gradually Returns to Public Duties
Since leaving the hospital, Pope Leo has gradually returned to his religious and administrative responsibilities. His recovery schedule has included public appearances and meetings while reserving additional time for rest.
On October 25, he addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square during the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. His appearance came one day before the Vatican formally confirmed that the South American journey could proceed.
Not every previously scheduled activity has remained unchanged. Doctors advised Leo against making a planned helicopter journey to Assisi on October 27, where he was expected to participate in an international peace gathering.
The cancellation was precautionary because relatively little time had passed since his operation. It also demonstrated that the Vatican was willing to adjust individual engagements while maintaining plans for the larger international visit.
The Associated Press reported that the pope has continued his duties while consulting doctors about the balance between public activities and recovery. Vatican officials have emphasized that medical supervision remains part of his daily schedule.
Peru Holds Special Significance for Pope Leo
The upcoming journey carries personal importance for the first American-born pope. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo spent many years serving the Catholic Church in Peru before assuming senior leadership responsibilities in Rome.
His work in Peru included missionary service and leadership within the Augustinian order. He later served as bishop of Chiclayo, establishing close relationships with Catholic communities throughout the country.
Those experiences make Peru more than another destination on the papal itinerary. The visit will allow Leo to reconnect with a country that played a major role in his religious life and leadership.
The journey will also provide opportunities to strengthen relationships between the Vatican and Catholic communities in Uruguay and Argentina. Church officials describe the visit as an effort to encourage local congregations and promote messages of faith, hope and peace.
In a statement released Monday, Leo expressed his happiness about returning to Latin America, describing it as a continent where he had experienced important moments of his life.
He also thanked people around the world for their prayers and expressions of support during his recovery. The Vatican acknowledged the work of the medical professionals responsible for his treatment.
Medical Clearance Allows Preparations to Continue
The Vatican's latest announcement resolves immediate uncertainty over whether the South American journey would take place. Earlier concerns had increased after Leo's cancer diagnosis and the cancellation of his visit to Assisi.
Medical clearance does not mean the pope has completed every stage of recovery. Vatican officials continue to emphasize rest, supervision and adherence to his doctors' recommendations while he resumes his responsibilities.
The papal journey is now scheduled to begin November 6, less than four weeks after the lung operation. Preparations will proceed under the previously announced itinerary, with the pope expected to visit all three countries before returning to Rome on November 17.