Pope Leo XIV Begins 12-Day South America Tour

Pope Leo XIV set off on Friday for a 12-day journey across South America, his longest trip since being elected last year. The 71-year-old pontiff will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, returning to the continent where he spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop.

His first stop is Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, where he is due to arrive in the evening. He will then travel to Argentina and Peru, concluding the tour on 17 November. According to Vatican officials, the Pope will cover around 31,000 kilometres, visit 10 cities and deliver 36 speeches.

The trip comes just a month after the Pope underwent surgery for lung cancer. Doctors have confirmed he has fully recovered and that no special medical measures are needed during the journey. However, the demanding schedule, which includes a visit to an altitude of around 3,700 metres in the Peruvian Andes, is expected to require periods of rest and possibly additional oxygen.

Highlights of the tour include open-air masses, a visit to a prison in Argentina, and a helicopter trip to remote communities in the Andes. Pope Leo is also scheduled to meet Argentine President Javier Milei and, according to the Vatican, with victims of clerical sexual abuse, though details of those meetings have not been released.

The Pope, who was born in the United States and holds Peruvian citizenship, has said he hopes the visit will “strengthen faith, renew hope and rekindle the zeal of mercy.” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope sees the trip as a return to places where he spent much time and feels deeply connected.

South America remains the region with the largest Catholic population in the world, though the Church faces growing challenges from evangelical communities and changing social attitudes. Local church leaders hope the papal visit will help revitalise faith across the region.