Pope Leo XIV begins Latin America tour in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day tour of Latin America. The tour will cover Argentina and Peru, which the Vatican described as a "homecoming" as the Pope was based there for many years as a missionary, then a bishop.

On Friday, he arrived in Montevideo to a seafront lined with crowds shouting his name as his Popemobile passed. A family held up a flag that read "We are from Chicago" in Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia. Lebanese and Venezuelan flags flew among those carried by the hundreds who came to welcome Pope Leo XIV on the first day of his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Health and schedule

The Pope told reporters travelling with him 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 which was thrown into doubt last month when doctors discovered a tumour during a routine scan.

"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 pontiff had surgery last month to remove a third of his right lung after a small growth was discovered during routine checks, which was later confirmed as cancer. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said afterward that there were "no clinical reasons why this visit should not take place," and doctors have said he does not need further treatment.

Vatican officials told reporters that Pope Leo will have a medical team available to him for the trip but stressed that no special measures are being taken. "We’re speaking of a 71-year-old person in good health," the Vatican spokesman said ahead of the visit.

The Pope will cover more than 20,000 miles on his sixth international tour. From November 6 to 17, the pope is scheduled to take 14 flights (including two in a helicopter), give 36 speeches and participate in around 50 events in what is one of the most intense papal trips of recent years. He will travel to 10 cities, preside at large open-air Masses and vigils and meet with political leaders.

First day in Montevideo

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.

He capped his day with a prayer at the Montevideo Cathedral. Before that he addressed the country's civil authorities following a welcome ceremony at Montevideo's Carrasco airport. He told those gathered that a secular State has a duty to make room for believers and non-believers to live together in freedom and respect. "This neutrality does not require that the religious dimension be confined to the private sphere," he said.

Speaking to the clergy, religious and seminarians gathered for Evening Prayer, Pope Leo thanked those who had spent years caring for others, from tending to the sick to preparing meals. "How beautiful are the hands that have grown old doing good" he said.

Later, when Pope Leo reached the Apostolic Nunciature, young people and volunteers were waiting to wish him goodnight. "Where are the young people?" he called out. Thanking them for their welcome, he told them he could see that Uruguay was a country of young people with faith.

"The nuncio says he wants to sleep, but sing for as long as you like," the Pope joked. "Well, perhaps not quite that long. The neighbours will want to sleep too." Then he blessed them and said goodnight.

Why it matters

The trip is Pope Leo XIV’s sixth international tour and comes just over three weeks after his lung cancer surgery. It includes a visit to Cusco, Peru, which is more than 11,000 feet above sea-level and where there is 35% less oxygen per breath, raising questions about his health and the precautions being taken while there. The visit to Argentina is generating intense interest because the late Pope Francis, the first Argentine pontiff, never made a visit to his home country.

Sources

• bbc.com: Pope Leo in 'pretty good health' as he starts Latin America tour
• vaticannews.va: Flags and painted faces welcome Pope Leo to Montevideo - Vatican News
• edition.cnn.com: Pope Leo’s Latin America trip will take him above 11,000 feet, weeks after lung cancer surgery | CNN

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.