Pope Leo XIV Starts South America Tour After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has started a 12-day tour of South America, arriving in Uruguay where he plans to celebrate a Mass on Saturday. This visit comes just three weeks after he underwent surgery for a tumor on his right lung. The 71-year-old pope is in ‘fairly good shape’ and is eager to connect with the continent that has significantly influenced his priesthood.

During his trip, Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. He is set to meet with political leaders, prisoners, and the poor, as well as reconnect with old friends. Thousands of supporters greeted him in Montevideo, waving Vatican flags, although the crowd was smaller than at his previous visits to France and Spain.

In a speech at Plaza Independencia, the pope addressed the high suicide rates in Uruguay and called for healthcare to be accessible to everyone. He expressed concern for those who lack resources for timely medical care, reflecting on his own experience after his cancer diagnosis.

Leo is expected to celebrate Mass in Paysandu, where around 30,000 pilgrims are anticipated. He will also visit Casavalle, a neighborhood known for its high crime rate, and hold a prayer vigil at Centenario Stadium for 60,000 attendees. This marks the first papal visit to Uruguay in nearly 40 years.

On the flight to Uruguay, the pope shared that he feels good after his surgery and encouraged others facing cancer not to be afraid. He aims to deliver a message of hope to the predominantly Catholic continent.

While in Uruguay, Leo will address various social issues, including the protection of the unborn and the country’s recent legalization of euthanasia. He praised Uruguay’s efforts to promote renewable energy, highlighting its environmental achievements.

One of the highlights of his tour will be Peru, where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary. He referred to Peru as ‘one of my many homes.’ His visit is particularly significant as it follows a history of previous popes not returning to their homelands. In Argentina, the pope will also pay tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis.