Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay for First Post-Surgery Trip
The 12-day tour of South America includes 36 speeches and stops in high-altitude regions, marking the pontiff's return to the continent following lung cancer treatment.
By Ella Cox ·
Pope Leo XIV has completed his first major overseas journey since undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The 12-day trip covers three nations in South America and represents the longest itinerary of his pontificate.
The itinerary involves 12 flights, including two helicopter transfers, and 36 speeches. The tour visits 10 cities, including Cusco, Peru, which sits more than 11,000 feet above sea level. Officials noted that visitors to high-altitude locations may require supplemental oxygen.
Leo underwent surgery last month to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Vatican officials stated that the two-week recovery period is complete and no further treatment is required. Maria Montserrat Alvar, the Vatican's communications chief, said the doctors are confident in his condition. "His doctors are very confident and he'll have plenty of medical care on board should something happen," Alvar said.
Uruguay serves as the first stop on the journey. The nation of approximately 3.5 million people is considered the most secular country in Latin America. Only about a third of Uruguayans identify as Catholics, according to Mariana Pomiés, director of the public polling firm CIFRA. Uruguay has separated religion from government for more than a century, referring to Christmas as Family Day and Easter week as Tourism Week.
Alvar described the choice to begin in Uruguay as a decision to bring the Gospel everywhere. "Why Not?" she said. "the Gospel is meant to go everywhere." In Montevideo, few welcome banners are visible, but large posters adorn city churches. Ana Maria Saprissa, a 70-year-old retiree, expressed gratitude for the visit. "His visit gives us such joy because …he remembered us all here in this tiny country that has so many needs," she said.
The pope is scheduled to visit the working-class Casavalle neighborhood on Saturday. Dozens of volunteers prepared a stage outside the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Father Pablo Coimbra, who has led the community for six years, said the visit places marginalized residents at the center of attention. "For the first time many people live their lives always on the margins.. well, today they are in the heart, in the center," Coimbra said. President Yamandú Orsi will host a welcome ceremony at the main cathedral before evening prayers.
The tour moves to Argentina next, fulfilling a wish of the late Pope Francis. Leo's visit tests his approach to right-wing populist leaders. President Javier Milei has implemented austerity measures that have pushed millions into poverty, a stance that contrasts with Leo's support for the poor. Milei has also embraced data centers and loose artificial intelligence regulation, while Leo's first encyclical called for ethical safeguards in the AI era.
The trip concludes in Peru, where Leo spent two decades as a missionary and bishop. He became a naturalized Peruvian in 2015 and will meet with President Keiko Fujimori. During the Fujimori dictatorship, Leo criticized military violence and supported the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In Montevideo, Juan Martin Guerreiro, a local resident, said the new pope is less influential to him than his predecessor. "He doesn't feel as influential to me … as Pope Francis," Guerreiro said.
