Pope Leo Begins South America Tour

Pope Leo XIV has begun a 12-day visit to South America, three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his lung.

The 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church departed Rome on Friday for a trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. He is expected to meet political leaders, prisoners, poor communities and old friends during one of the most demanding papal foreign trips in decades.

Leo smiled and waved to onlookers before boarding his plane at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. The aircraft took off shortly after 6:00 GMT, AFP journalists said. The first US-born pope served as a missionary in Peru for almost 20 years. During that time, he developed a strong connection with the continent.

Speaking on Wednesday, Leo said he was looking forward to returning to the countries, which were “so dear to me”. He also said he hoped the visit would “strengthen faith, renew hope, (and) rekindle the fire of charity” across the region.

The three countries face several challenges, including rising inequality, violence, declining birth rates and falling Catholic Church membership.

Despite his recent surgery on October 13, doctors have cleared the pope to travel. The Vatican also said he would not need special medical arrangements beyond the standard care provided during papal trips.

Leo’s first stop is Uruguay, one of Latin America’s wealthiest and most secular countries. Authorities have deployed about 5,000 police officers and 1,000 soldiers to provide security. He will travel along Montevideo’s waterfront in a specially built popemobile before meeting left-wing President Yamandú Orsi and receiving the keys to the city.

Although some residents are excited about his visit, others have expressed little interest because they are not religious. Tickets for masses in the cities of Paysandú and Florida also sold out quickly.

Uruguay has legalised same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia, placing it at odds with some traditional Catholic teachings. Euthanasia became legal in the country last year.

Leo is expected to speak about protecting life and traditional family values. He may also address mental health during a visit to Casavalle, a neighbourhood in Montevideo known for poverty and high levels of violence.

The pope will travel to Argentina on Sunday. The country was the homeland of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who did not return there during his papacy. The visit is expected to carry strong emotional meaning for many Argentinians.

The final leg of the trip will take Leo to Peru, where he is expected to arrive on Wednesday. White described his arrival as “a moment full of symbolism and emotion”.

Excitement has already spread across the country. In Lima, traders are selling T-shirts and rosaries bearing the pope’s image. Some bakeries have also introduced bread named after him.

Inmates at a women’s prison are making dolls in his likeness. Meanwhile, a 14-metre statue of Leo has been erected in the port city of Callao, which is also on his itinerary. His visit will include the former Inca capital of Cusco and the Amazon rainforest.

However, Peru will also offer the pope an opportunity to revisit his past. He is expected to have dinner with priests from his former diocese of Chiclayo and make a private visit to a chapel he helped rebuild.

The trip marks a major return for Leo to the region where he spent much of his missionary life.