Pope Leo XIV cleared for upcoming Latin America pilgrimage after lung surgery
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican after lung cancer surgery and his surgeon says there is no medical reason to cancel his planned Latin American trip next month.
After undergoing lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV came back to the Vatican on Saturday. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that the pontiff is expected to fully recover within about ten days and faces no clinical obstacles to the scheduled November 6-17 tour of Uruguay, Peru and Argentina, which will involve multiple flights and helicopter rides to high altitudes.
Why it matters
The pope's health determines whether a major religious tour of three Latin American nations will proceed as planned.
How this story developed
- Oct 13 Pope Leo XIV undergoes lung surgery after cancer diagnosis
- Oct 14 The Vatican reports that Pope Leo XIV is progressing normally after removal of the lower right lung to treat a malignant tumor.
- Oct 14 A new Vatican bulletin confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer and outlined his recovery steps.
- Oct 15 Vatican suspended papal audiences through Oct 20.
- Oct 15 Routine check-ups this morning returned normal findings as the Pope continues recovery.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV resumed work from his hospital room and continued physiotherapy.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV called Vladimir Putin by phone, asking for a cease-fire in Oleschky to allow food, medical aid and safe evacuation of civilians.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital and a medical bulletin reported improvement in his condition.
- Oct 16 Putin’s call to the pope included discussion of a short‑term humanitarian pause for Oleshky.
- Oct 17 Pope Leo XIV is expected to recite the Angelus from the 10th-floor balcony of Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, with Italian police coordinating security.
- Oct 17 The Pope has moved from hospital care to discharge and will resume public duties.
In this story
pope leo xivlung cancer surgerylatin america tourrecoveryhelicopter flightsuruguayperuargentina
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