Pope Leo XIV confirms South America tour after lung cancer surgery

The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will proceed with his planned apostolic journey to South America, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between 6 and 17 November 2026. The announcement, issued by the Holy See Press Office on Monday, 26 October, states that the trip will follow the previously published programme without modification. This decision comes nearly two weeks after the Pontiff underwent surgery for lung cancer, with medical teams ruling out any complications that would prevent him from undertaking the extensive travel itinerary.

Background

On 13 October, the 71-year-old pontiff was treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where surgeons successfully excised a malignant growth from the lower section of his right lung. He was discharged from the hospital on 17 October, with his surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, describing the Pope’s clinical condition as “absolutely satisfactory.” At the time of his discharge, Margaritora indicated that there were no clinical reasons to cancel the South American tour, although some observers had speculated that the itinerary might be adjusted due to the Pope’s health.

On 22 October, the Vatican disclosed that tests confirmed the cancer was localised and that the Pope would not require further therapy. In response to medical advice, the Vatican announced on Friday, 24 October, that the Pope would cancel a shorter, planned trip to Assisi scheduled for 27 October. Since his discharge, Leo has gradually resumed his daily duties, adjusting his schedule in consultation with doctors to balance recovery with his ministerial responsibilities. The Vatican noted that the Pope is taking appropriate periods of rest while remaining attentive to daily needs.

The Pope has expressed significant personal enthusiasm for the upcoming journey. The Vatican reported that the leader expressed immense delight and excitement about the journey, highlighting his anticipation of revisiting the continent where he served as a missionary in Peru for twenty years. The Pontiff has also expressed gratitude for the prayers and affection he has received from around the world during his recovery.

Why it matters

The confirmation of the full itinerary is significant for the millions of Catholics in the three countries who were expecting the visit. The trip is particularly notable for its inclusion in Argentina, where the Pope will engage with political and social institutions. The Vatican’s assurance that the trip will proceed as planned alleviates concerns that had arisen following the diagnosis and surgery. The Pope’s public statements regarding his health and readiness have been central to maintaining confidence in the event's execution.

The itinerary includes specific engagements in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján in Argentina. The Pope is scheduled to arrive in Argentina on Sunday, 8 November, at 4.30 pm at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires City, arriving from Uruguay. His visit to Argentina will last until Wednesday, 11 November. Upon his arrival, the itinerary includes a meeting with President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, followed by an address delivered at the Palacio Libertad. The next day, his schedule involves a visit to the Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, Buenos Aires Province, and the celebration of Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles located in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires City.

On Tuesday, 10 November, the head of the Church will head to the province of Córdoba to lead a Mass service at the Military Aviation School, which is set to begin at 10.00 am. He will then return to Buenos Aires in the afternoon for a youth vigil in Palermo. His final day in Argentina will involve a visit to Devoto Prison and the celebration of the closing Mass at the Basilica of Luján. He is expected to depart from Ezeiza Airport close to 2.00 pm on 11 November, bound for Lima, Peru, to continue the final leg of his apostolic journey.

What happens next

The Pope is due to arrive in Uruguay first, with the overall trip spanning from 6 to 17 November 2026. Following his departure from Argentina on 11 November, he will proceed to Peru to complete the scheduled engagements in Lima. The Vatican has stated that the programme will proceed exactly as previously published, with no further changes anticipated regarding the dates or locations of the visits.