Pope Leo XIV begins 12-day Latin America visit after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo to start a 12-day journey through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, about three weeks after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.
By StoryBreak
Published November 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM EST
Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day apostolic journey through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru after recovering from lung cancer surgery.
He arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 6, marking the start of the three-country Latin American tour. The visit is the longest and farthest journey of his papacy, according to the verified research.
The trip follows an operation that took place about three weeks earlier. Leo XIV said doctors removed a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The surgery detail was also reported in connection with his return to public travel.
The Holy See had scheduled the journey through the three countries and announced a briefing about the planned visit. The itinerary brings Uruguay, Argentina and Peru into one 12-day apostolic journey beginning with the pope’s arrival in Montevideo.
The tour combines the pope’s first stop in Uruguay with planned travel through Argentina and Peru. Its opening comes shortly after his lung operation and marks his departure from Rome for the longest and farthest journey identified in the verified material.
Sources & Further Reading
- Holy See Press OfficePrimary source
- Holy See Press OfficePrimary source
- Associated Press
- Associated Press
- Georgia Public Broadcasting / NPR
StoryBreak
Independent digital news and reporting, updated throughout the day.
This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance and reviewed as part of StoryBreak's editorial process before publication. Read our editorial standards.
