Doctors clear the trip
The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV has been medically cleared to travel to South America next month. This comes only two weeks after he underwent surgery for lung cancer, according to CBS News.
In a statement, the Vatican said that "based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America as planned." It added that the pope "is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church."
The trip will take Leo to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17. The Vatican confirmed it will go ahead "according to the program previously published."
A demanding itinerary
CBS News described the trip as particularly grueling. The 71-year-old pontiff is scheduled to visit 10 cities and take 14 flights, along with numerous public appearances and religious ceremonies.
Because the program is unchanged, a visit to the Peruvian city of Cuzco remains on the schedule. The city sits at more than 11,000 feet above sea level, and CBS noted that the thinner air there could pose difficulties for someone recovering from lung surgery.
Questions about whether the pope could make the journey had already come up last week. On his doctors' advice, Leo canceled a planned helicopter visit to Assisi for an international peace gathering, which was to take place Tuesday. Doctors said they recommended the cancellation as a precaution because of the unpressurized air on a helicopter flight.
The surgery and recovery
Leo was operated on Oct. 13, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after finding a malignant tumor. His doctors identified the cancer as a lung adenocarcinoma and said it was discovered accidentally during a routine abdominal examination.
According to the report, the operation was successful and had no complications. Leo left the hospital on Oct. 17.
Since then, he has gradually returned to his public duties. These include his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square and meetings with visiting church leaders.
A personal homecoming
The journey has special meaning for Leo, the first American-born pope. He spent more than two decades working as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
In a statement Monday, he said, "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life." He added, "May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy."
