Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

Key Points:

• Pope Leo's planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17 will proceed as scheduled, with the Vatican confirming his recovery from lung cancer surgery is on track and he is fit for travel.
• The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
• Medical examinations indicate no health contraindications preventing Pope Leo from undertaking the extensive South America tour, which includes 10 cities, 36 speeches, and approximately 31,000 km of travel.
• The trip marks a significant return for Pope Leo to South America, where he spent decades as a missionary in Peru before his 2023 promotion to Vatican roles, and he expressed eagerness to reconnect with the continent.
• While adjusting his daily schedule to prioritize recovery, the pope continues fulfilling his ministry duties, recently addressing the faithful at St. Peter’s Square but cancelling a visit to Assisi on doctors' advice.