Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay to Begin Latin America Tour

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay as he begins a 12-day tour of South America, marking his first major international travel since undergoing lung cancer surgery last month. The 71-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church touched down in Montevideo following a 13-hour flight from Rome. Speaking to reporters on the papal plane, he stated that he feels in fairly good shape after receiving the all-clear from his medical team.

The trip had initially faced uncertainty following an operation on October 13 to remove a cancerous tumour. However, after passing the required 14-day convalescence period, the pontiff was eager to begin the intensive regional schedule. The Vatican noted that no special medical measures beyond standard care were necessary, highlighting his strong stamina and recovery.

Schedule Across Three Nations

The packed three-day itinerary in Uruguay, which is noted as the region's least Catholic and most secular country, includes stops in a neighbourhood experiencing heavy gang violence, alongside masses in Paysandu and Florida. Following his time in Uruguay, the regional trip will continue through Argentina and conclude in Peru, a country where the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics previously served for nearly two decades as a missionary.

Pope Leo XIV begins a 12-day South American tour after recovering from recent lung cancer surgery.

The final stages of the journey will bring the pontiff to the former Inca capital of Cusco, the Amazon rainforest, and a private visit to a chapel he helped rebuild in Chiclayo. Officials have reported widespread public interest in the events, with tickets for scheduled masses quickly running out. The Vatican's communications chief pointed to the pope's strong vocal delivery and stamina as clear signs of his readiness for the demanding schedule.

Why it matters

The 71-year-old pontiff is visiting three nations despite undergoing surgery to remove a tumour last month, reflecting his deep personal attachment to the continent. The journey aims to address rising regional challenges such as inequality and violence while encouraging local congregations facing a decline in followers.