Pope Leo XIV Begins South American Tour After Cancer Surgery

Following a lobectomy to remove lung adenocarcinoma on October 13, Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day apostolic journey to South America on November 6, 2026. The US-born pontiff, who confirmed he cast a mail-in ballot in the United States midterm elections, described the trip as a homecoming, particularly for the final leg in Peru where he previously served as a missionary.

In Uruguay, the first stop of the tour, the Pope met with President Yamandú Orsi and celebrated Mass in Paysandú and Florida. He challenged the nation's secular laws regarding euthanasia and abortion while urging citizens to "shake off our apathy" toward poverty during a visit to the disadvantaged Casavalle neighborhood in Montevideo. He specifically highlighted how violent crime prevents some children from attending school for fear of never returning home.

On November 8, the Pope proceeded to Argentina, the most politically delicate leg of the journey. Tensions exist between the Vatican and the administration of President Javier Milei over the latter's sweeping austerity measures, which include significant cuts to healthcare and university funding. While the Government of Argentina arrested an individual over death threats against the pontiff, the visit is expected to be marked by friction over social spending and the regulation of artificial intelligence. The tour will conclude in Peru, where the Pope will return to his former missionary home amid President Keiko Fujimori's military campaign against cartels.