(OSV News): Two weeks after Pope Leo XIV’s surgery for lung cancer, his doctor confirmed he can fly to South America according to the previously released schedule, with Uruguay, Argentina and Peru planned as stops for his November 6-17 trip, the longest trip of the pontificate so far.
“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,” Dr. Luigi Carbone, the papal doctor, said in a statement released by the Holy See Press Office on October 26.
The statement said that Pope Leo “is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church,” the statement read, confirming that the apostolic trip to South America “will proceed according to the program previously published.”
It said, “The Holy Father looks forward with great joy and enthusiasm to this journey,” highlighting that the trip—to the continent where Pope Leo served as a missionary and where he was a bishop—will offer “opportunities to strengthen the bonds of communion with the local Churches, encourage the faithful in their mission, and bring a message of faith, hope, and peace.”
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
Dr. Luigi Carbone
According to the statement, Pope Leo said, “I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life. 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.”
Advance team lands in Peru for final preparatory visit
Monsignor Guillermo Inca Pereda, coordinator of Pope Leo ‘s visit to Peru, confirmed to Peruvian TV station TVPE Noticias that the news about the pope’s surgery never interrupted preparations for the trip and that the third advance team mission from the Vatican arrived in Peru on October 26.
The media speculated that parts of the schedule could be altered, especially the high-altitude trip to Cusco, which is located 11,1500 feet above sea level, and it is recommended that even healthy people need to adjust before planning intense activities.
However, the monsignor confirmed that Cusco—on the papal itinerary for November 15—was not excluded from the papal visit to Peru.
I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life
Pope Leo XIV
“Nothing is ruled out. Everything remains as the Holy Father envisioned it. He always wanted to go to Cusco because it holds an important significance: the encounter with the popular faith and religiosity of the region,” he told the Peruvian television channel. “He wants to be there. That’s why I believe Cusco will always be on his list,” he said.
However, Peruvian organisers remain extra cautious regarding the trip, and for his November 11-16 encounter with the nation, “he will have a specialised ambulance, as befits a head of state, which will accompany the delegation at all times,” Monsignor Guillermo said.
“In the case of Santa Cruz, the possibility of having an ambulance helicopter is being considered in case of any eventuality. In addition to his own doctor, there will be a Peruvian doctor prepared to attend to any situation,” the prelate said of another high altitude town in the Andes Mountains, which the pope plans to visit November 14.
Everything remains as the Holy Father envisioned it
Monsignor Guillermo
Doctors report post-surgery progress
Papal medical team confirmed in the October 26 statement that the pope’s “recovery continues to progress,” and that since returning to the Vatican on October 17, “the Holy Father has gradually resumed his activities, adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritise his recovery while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of his ministry.”
It said, “Dr. Luigi Carbone confirms that the Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favourable clinical condition.”
Longest and most demanding trip to date
Pope Leo XIV will travel more than 30,577 kilometres on 14 flights during the November trip to Peru, Argentina and Uruguay, according to the full schedule the Vatican released on September 21, which the Vatican did not indicate would change in the October 26 statement.
Over 12 days, the pope will celebrate nine public Masses, visit seven cathedrals and preside over two stadium prayer vigils. The trip culminates with a return to Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023.
Related posts:
Caritas Philippines calls for moral courage in Duterte impeachment case
Pakistan’s Christians end year of persecution hoping new government will bring respite
Care for migrant workers amid Omicron surge
