Pope Leo is to embark on an intense 11-day South America tour just weeks after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV, 71, will lead more than 50 events across Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, just three weeks after surgeons removed the right lung's lower lobe to treat lung adenocarcinoma — a cancer type that is the most frequently diagnosed form of the disease. Doctors have confirmed the cancer has not spread and he needs no further treatment. The itinerary includes a dozen flights, two helicopter journeys and a prayer stop at altitude in the Andes.

In Uruguay, Leo will visit the Borro neighbourhood, a parish struggling with violence, before meeting left-wing President Yamandu Orsi in Latin America's most secular country.

In Argentina, Leo is expected to address strained relations between the Church and President Javier Milei, a Trump ally who has clashed with the Vatican.

Papal historian Massimo Faggioli says cancelling the trip would have signalled 'a real rupture in this pontificate' — so Leo is pressing on to prove 'that health crisis is over.'