Pope Leo XIV begins 12-day Latin America tour in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day tour of South America, three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery that had put the entire trip into question.

The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in Montevideo on Friday and was greeted by crowds. The Vatican estimated 30,000 people turned out to watch him go by and attend his first event.

In his first speech of the trip, the Pope said universal healthcare should be "accessible to everyone". He told the crowd in Plaza Independencia the care he received made him think of the "many men and women who lack the means to obtain a timely diagnosis" or receive treatment.

The Pope told reporters travelling with him to Latin America he is "in pretty good health", in his first comments on his condition since having surgery for lung cancer. He also said he was "very happy" to be able to make the trip.

"I must confess that, from the very first day, I never had any doubts; I was convinced that this journey had to go forward," the Pope told journalists on his plane to Uruguay.

"Thanks to the marvellous medical staff... I believe I am in quite good health," Pope Leo confirmed.

Last month's operation to remove a tumour was successful and his doctors say the cancer has not spread.

The tour will cover Argentina and a return to Peru, which the Vatican described as a "homecoming" as the Pope was based there for many years as a missionary, then a bishop. Pope Leo will cover more than 20,000 miles on his sixth international tour.

On Sunday he will travel to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Pope Francis who did not return during his own papacy.

The Pope said his visit was about being near the people who were looking to the Church for a message of "hope".

Sources

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