Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful during his weekly general audience, in Vatican City, 21 October 2026Image source, EPA
ByGabriela Pomeroy
  • Published36 minutes ago

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo will go on his South American tour as planned, following his surgery for lung cancer.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent successful surgery in Rome on 13 October to remove a tumour on the lower part of his right lung.

The 71-year-old is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on 6-17 November, the Vatican said, adding that the he was looking forward to it "with great joy and enthusiasm".