Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 6, beginning a 12-day apostolic journey through South America. He said he felt well after surgery to remove a lung tumor in October. (Foto: Instagram)
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Friday, November 6, beginning a 12-day apostolic journey through South America. After stepping off the plane, he said he was feeling well following surgery in October to remove a tumor from his lung. He also said he had never doubted that the trip should go ahead.
“I know many people had questions about whether this trip would take place. But I confess that from the first day, I had no doubts: I was convinced the trip should happen,” Leo said. “I am truly happy. I thank God and the wonderful medical professionals who are here today. I can say that I feel very well, as you can see.”
The procedure took place on October 13 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The pope’s recovery progressed as expected, and the Holy See said late last month that there were no medical reasons to prevent him from traveling.
Uruguay is the first stop on Leo’s sixth international apostolic journey. He is scheduled to remain there through Sunday, November 8, before traveling to Argentina and then Peru. His itinerary includes meetings with officials, religious services and gatherings with local communities. On Friday, he was scheduled to attend a welcome ceremony at Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, meet government, civil society and diplomatic representatives, and visit Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi. The day’s program is set to conclude with the celebration of Vespers at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James.
Over the 12-day trip, Leo is expected to visit three countries and 14 locations for more than 50 engagements. The schedule includes Masses and meetings with officials, young people, religious leaders and representatives of Amazonian communities. The journey also brings him back to a continent where he lived for more than two decades. In Peru, in particular, he served as a missionary and bishop. The trip is scheduled to end on November 17, when he returns to Rome.
