Pope Leo to Visit Latin America Despite Recent Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to travel to Latin America, where he will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The 12-day trip will include 14 flights, 36 speeches, and around 50 events.

The journey will take the pope to Cusco, Peru, which is more than 11,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude means there is 35% less oxygen per breath, raising questions about the pope’s health and the precautions being taken.

Pope Leo had lung cancer surgery last month, during which a third of his right lung was removed. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, stated there were no clinical reasons to prevent the trip. Doctors have also said the pope does not need further treatment.

Vatican officials have confirmed that a medical team will be on hand for the trip, but they have stressed that no special measures are being taken. The Vatican spokesman described the pope as a 71-year-old in good health.

The pope will travel with the usual medical assistance, including doctors, nurses, and an ambulance. The Vatican spokesman noted that the pope does not have a permanent condition and that the medical team will not go into detail about the trip’s health aspects.

Montse Alvarado, the new head of Vatican Communications, said the pope’s stamina is ‘fantastic’ and that he will have plenty of medical care on board. A pulmonologist from Seattle, Dr. Matthew Triplette, noted that the risk of a medical emergency during the trip is ‘low’ but warned of possible complications such as blood clots or a collapsed lung.

Pope Leo personally confirmed the trip with no changes, according to Vatican Communications. He is expected to speak in Spanish, a language he is fluent in, and to meet with political leaders and religious figures throughout the region.

The trip to Peru is particularly significant as it is where the pope served as a missionary and bishop for around two decades. He will return to Chiclayo, where he was known for his hands-on approach and frequent travel on horseback.

The pope is expected to draw large crowds in both Argentina and Peru, with estimates of up to 1.2 million people attending his final Mass in Lima. His visit to Argentina will also include a stop at a federal prison and a care center for people with disabilities.

Pope Leo’s trip comes at a time of political and social change in Latin America, including Argentina’s austerity measures and Peru’s political landscape. The pope’s visit is seen as a continuation of his predecessor’s reforms, with a focus on social justice and the marginalized.