Südamerika-Reise: Papst kehrt in seine zweite Heimat zurück

Papst Leo XIII. is set to return to his second home in South America for the first time since 1990. The journey, which is his longest yet, begins today and involves visiting Inca sites above 3,700 meters in the Andes. The Pope, 71, recently underwent a lung cancer operation and faces challenges due to the thin air. Despite concerns from some medical professionals, Vatican authorities have given him the green light to proceed with the trip.

Leo expressed his excitement about returning to the continent where he spent much of his life. The Pope's visit comes amid political tensions in Peru and Argentina, where he has previously criticized right-wing leaders. During his time in Peru, Leo was active as a missionary and later the Bishop of Chiclayo. He criticized former President Alberto Fujimori for his brutal actions during the civil war against the Shining Path guerrillas.

In Argentina, the visit is met with skepticism due to the current president's proximity to Trump. Peru, on the other hand, will likely be more receptive to the Pope, as more than 90 percent of its population identifies as Catholic.