Pope Leo XIV To Visit Peru, Argentina And Uruguay On First Major Latin America Tour

Pope Leo XIV will begin a historic 12-day tour of Latin America on November 6, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in his first major journey to the continent since becoming pontiff. The November 6-17 trip carries particular significance for the US-born pope, who spent nearly two decades in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop.

The visit comes just weeks after Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung containing a cancerous tumour. Vatican officials have confirmed that he is in good health and requires no further treatment. Despite the demanding schedule, no additional medical arrangements have been planned for the 71-year-old pope, including during his visit to Cusco, located around 3,400 metres above sea level.

The journey will cover approximately 31,000 kilometres (19,000 miles), involving 12 flights and two helicopter rides. The pope will begin in Uruguay, visiting Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida. It will be the country's first papal visit since Pope John Paul II travelled there in 1988. Considered Latin America's most secular country, Uruguay has legalised abortion, same-sex marriage and assisted dying. Leo is expected to reaffirm the Church's position on these issues while encouraging people to reconnect with their faith.

He will travel to Argentina on November 8, becoming the first pope to visit the country since John Paul II in 1987. Argentina is the birthplace of Pope Francis, who never returned home during his 12-year pontificate. Leo's meeting with President Javier Milei will be closely watched because of their differing views on economic inequality, artificial intelligence and social issues.

Peru will be the final and longest leg, from November 11 to 17. Leo will revisit Chiclayo, where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023, besides visiting Lima, Cusco and Pucallpa. His programme includes meetings with Amazonian communities, missionaries, young people and victims of clerical abuse. He will also visit a federal prison in Argentina and a shelter for elderly people in Peru.

The Vatican says the three countries together have nearly 77 million baptised Catholics. Across the tour, Leo is scheduled to deliver around 36 speeches and participate in numerous public Masses and prayer gatherings. Major themes include economic injustice, Indigenous rights, environmental protection and the Church's response to sexual abuse.

The pope has also asked Catholics worldwide to pray for the journey, saying he hopes it will strengthen faith, renew hope and encourage charity.