Pope Leo XIV’s cancer diagnosis casts doubt on South America trip
The pontiff’s lung surgery has raised questions about his recovery ahead of a November visit to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru La entrada Pope Leo XIV’s cancer diagnosis casts doubt on South America trip se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald .
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer, casting doubt over his planned trip to South America in November. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after a lung nodule was discovered during a routine checkup. The Vatican confirmed that the procedure involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung and that tissue examination confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
The trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is scheduled for November 6-17 and remains on the Vatican's agenda, but the diagnosis has introduced uncertainty. The Holy See expects Leo XIV to remain hospitalized for about a week following surgery, with his recovery and subsequent medical assessments determining when he can resume public activities.
The diagnosis came as a surprise, as Leo XIV had appeared in good health, maintaining an active lifestyle with swimming, tennis, and horseback riding. His recovery will also prompt questions about potential further treatment or medical monitoring that could impact his international commitments. Argentina's government has not yet canceled the visit scheduled for November 8-11, with preparations continuing while they await further information on the pope's recovery.
Argentine officials and the country's leadership have expressed readiness to adjust the schedule if necessary, but prioritize the pope's health above all.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Herald's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
