Following post-surgery checkup, Pope Leo will proceed with Latin America trip, Vatican confirms

Pope Leo XIV is set to continue his scheduled trip to Latin America from November 6 to 17, the Vatican announced on Monday. The medical team overseeing the former pope's recovery following lung cancer surgery has determined there are no medical reasons preventing him from traveling. After surgeons removed a malignant lobe on October 13, Leo has gradually resumed his activities, prioritizing rest to aid his healing process.

Despite the demanding schedule involving numerous flights and helicopter rides, the Vatican press office confirmed the pope's itinerary remains unchanged. Pope Leo expressed joy at the prospect of returning to South America, a region where he has held significant moments in his life, and emphasized the opportunity for strengthening bonds with local churches, uplifting the faithful, and promoting a message of faith, hope, and peace during his visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.