Pope Leo’s big post-cancer stamina test: Climb the Andes, then dive into the Amazon

CUSCO, Nov 15 — Pope Leo XIV embarks on a challenging post-cancer stamina test as he travels to Cusco, nestled at over 3,400 metres (11,000 feet) altitude, before venturing into the Amazon basin, reports AFP. The 71-year-old head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, who recently underwent lung cancer surgery, remains determined to complete his 12-day tour through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Despite the demanding itinerary, Pope Leo XIV has refused to cancel the visit to the Unesco World Heritage Site, citing his commitment to wrapping up his South American journey. Once in Cusco, he will climb even higher to Saqsaywaman, a massive hilltop fortress, to meet with representatives of Catholic devotion. The US-born pontiff's final full day in Latin America will be the most physically demanding, as he traverses through two culturally and geographically significant regions, his beloved Peru.