Pope Leo XIV Credits Medical Care and Faith for Recovery Ahead of South America Tour
The pontiff, who voted in recent U.S. midterms, begins a 12-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru three weeks after lung surgery.
By Khalid Khalil ·
Pope Leo XIV departed for Montevideo, Uruguay, on Friday to begin a 12-day, three-nation tour of South America. The journey marks the pontiff’s first major international trip since he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung in early October. The itinerary includes stops in Argentina and Peru, with the final destination scheduled to conclude in two weeks.
During a press conference aboard the papal plane, Leo addressed his physical condition and recent civic participation. He stated that he is in fair health following the procedure. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after tests confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma. The medical team indicated that no further treatment was required, clearing him for travel. The nodule was discovered during a routine examination conducted between his late September visit to France and his announcement on October 11.
Leo attributed his recovery to a combination of medical expertise and personal faith. He cited trusting God, receiving good surgical care, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as key factors. The pope also emphasized the importance of regular checkups, noting that early detection is the most effective approach to managing such conditions. He said he feels a renewed commitment to those who are sick and plans to stress the necessity of healthcare as a universal right during his upcoming addresses.
The pontiff also responded to questions regarding his vote in the recent United States midterm elections. The Democrats gained control of Congress in those elections. Leo confirmed that he submitted a mail-in ballot in his hometown of Chicago. A Vatican statement released on October 30 noted that Leo has voted whenever eligible to demonstrate his belief in civic participation. The statement also recorded that he exercised his voting rights while residing in Peru, though he noted that absentee voting was not available for Peru’s recent election.
Leo expressed pride in being an American and exercising his right to vote. He pointed to the Vatican’s earlier statement as the primary reference for his actions. The pope, who was elected on May 8, 2025, is the 266th successor to St. Peter. He holds both American and Peruvian citizenship. U.S. federal law permits American citizens to retain their citizenship even when serving in foreign governments, including the Holy See.
The trip follows a period of uncertainty regarding Leo’s ability to travel. Some observers doubted he would be fit for the journey so soon after his October 13 surgery. Leo said he was convinced from the first day that the tour should proceed. He greeted reporters at the rear of the aircraft and joked that he might feel even better than he appeared. He added that he has not yet returned to playing tennis but intends to do so in the future.
The pope will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The tour was initially planned for a broader audience to discuss social and health issues. Leo’s remarks on his health and civic duty set the tone for the visit. He will address healthcare access and the value of preventive care in each country. The delegation includes key Vatican officials and local guides. The journey serves as both a pastoral visit and a demonstration of the pope’s ongoing role in global discourse.
