World News

Pope Leo begins 12-day South America tour three weeks after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV begins a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru; Vatican officials say he has recovered.

Published Nov 9, 2026 · 19:48 UTC5 reports

The short version

Pope Leo XIV set off from Rome on Friday for a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.[NBC News · Associated Press · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
The trip comes three weeks after cancer surgery on his right lung, and Vatican officials say he has completed recovery and needs no further treatment.[NBC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR · ABC News]
Uruguay, described as Latin America's most secular country, is the first stop, Argentina includes a planned meeting with President Javier Milei, and the tour ends in Peru.[NBC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]

Pope Leo XIV set off from Rome on Friday for a 12-day, three-nation tour of South America.[Associated Press · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
The trip takes place three weeks after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from the pope's right lung.[Deutsche Welle · ABC News]
Vatican officials said the pope has completed his two-week recovery period and requires no further treatment.[NBC News · NPR]
The first leg of the tour is Uruguay, which is described as Latin America's most secular country.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
The Argentina leg includes an expected meeting with right-wing President Javier Milei, and the tour ends in Peru, where the pope lived and served as bishop until 2023.[NBC News · Deutsche Welle]

The Vatican's statement that no further treatment is needed comes from Vatican officials and is not independently verified in the reporting.[NBC News · NPR]
The outcome of the planned meeting with President Javier Milei is not yet reported, as the trip is still underway.[NBC News · Deutsche Welle]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.