Pope Leo’s South American homecoming begins on Friday, November 6, as the 71-year-old pontiff embarks on an ambitious 12-day journey through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The first American-born pope is expected to attract millions of people during the visit, which will take him back to a region where he spent decades as a missionary and developed deep personal and religious connections.
The journey will cover approximately 31,000 kilometres, include 10 cities and feature 36 speeches and public engagements before concluding on November 17.
For Leo, the trip represents more than an international religious assignment. It is an opportunity to reconnect with communities that shaped his life before his election as leader of the Catholic Church.
He spent several decades in Peru, where he served as a missionary and eventually acquired Peruvian citizenship. His return is therefore expected to carry particular emotional significance.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni described the journey as a personal homecoming for the pontiff.
“Homecoming to places where he spent a long time and to which he feels closely connected,” Bruni said.
Pope Leo’s South American homecoming follows lung cancer operation
The journey comes less than a month after Leo underwent surgery for lung adenocarcinoma on October 13.
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. However, medical assessments indicated that the disease was localised, and doctors reportedly concluded that the pontiff would not require further treatment.
The Vatican has said Leo has completely healed and does not need special precautions for the demanding international journey.
Medical experts have also suggested that clearance to travel indicates a relatively low risk of complications, with the operated lung reportedly fully expanded and the surgical wounds healing without infection.
Nevertheless, the physical demands of the trip could require additional attention, particularly during visits to high-altitude communities in the Peruvian Andes.
Experts have suggested that rest periods and supplementary oxygen may be useful when necessary, given the potential effects of altitude on someone recently recovering from lung surgery.
Before departing Rome, Leo explained the religious objectives of his visit, telling pilgrims on Wednesday that he hoped to “strengthen the faith, renew hope, (and) rekindle the fire of charity”.
His message reflects the spiritual emphasis of the journey, which will combine religious services, meetings with political leaders and engagements with ordinary citizens.
Uruguay, Argentina and Peru prepare to receive the pope
Leo departed Rome’s Fiumicino Airport early on Friday, November 6, and was expected to arrive in Uruguay at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time.
The first stage will take him through three cities in Uruguay before he proceeds to Argentina for three days. He will subsequently spend six days in Peru.
His programme includes outdoor Masses, meetings with government officials and engagements with communities experiencing social and economic difficulties.
In Argentina, the pontiff is expected to visit a prison, while his Peruvian itinerary includes a helicopter journey to remote Andean communities.
The engagements are intended to bring him into contact with people beyond major urban centres, particularly communities facing poverty, geographical isolation and other challenges.
According to a November 6 report by Reuters, Leo’s speeches are expected to address environmental destruction, arms trafficking and political instability across the region.
Bruni emphasised the importance of unity and mutual understanding in the message the pope intends to communicate.
“The pope brings a message of communion and unity, an invitation to recognise one another … as members of one same family,” the Vatican spokesman said.
Argentina visit brings Pope Leo face to face with Javier Milei
One of the most closely watched engagements will take place in Argentina, where Leo is expected to address President Javier Milei on Sunday.
Milei, a right-wing libertarian leader regarded as a close ally of US President Donald Trump, will meet the pontiff during the Argentine leg of the journey.
The engagement comes after Trump criticised Leo earlier this year when the pope spoke against the war in Iran.
Although the visit is primarily religious and pastoral, the meeting with Milei is expected to attract political attention because of the wider international disagreements surrounding the conflict.
Argentina is also preparing for a massive public reception, with officials estimating that approximately seven million people could attend events involving the pontiff.
The expected turnout reflects the country’s historical relationship with Catholicism and the significance of welcoming a pope after several decades without a papal visit.
Catholic Church seeks renewed influence across Latin America
Latin America remains the world’s largest Catholic region by absolute numbers, but the Church has faced growing competition from evangelical denominations.
Changing social attitudes and increasingly individualised approaches to religious practice have also presented challenges to traditional Catholic institutions.
Local Church leaders hope the pontiff’s visit will encourage renewed religious commitment, strengthen existing communities and improve the institution’s public reputation.
The Catholic Church continues to face criticism over sexual abuse scandals involving members of the clergy, making accountability and engagement with survivors important issues during the visit.
Leo is expected to meet several survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, although the Vatican has not disclosed further details about the planned engagements.
The meetings could become an important part of the journey, particularly as the Church continues to face demands for transparency, justice and meaningful support for victims.
The visit also carries historical significance for Argentina. Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, was born in the country and visited Peru in 2018 but never returned to his homeland during his pontificate.
Argentina and Uruguay have not received a papal visit since the late 1980s, making Leo’s arrival a major event for Catholic communities in both countries.
A significant return for Pope Leo and the Catholic Church
Pope Leo’s South American homecoming carries personal, historical and religious importance, bringing the pontiff back to countries closely connected to his years of missionary service.
His experience in Peru gives him a distinctive relationship with the region, where he developed pastoral connections long before becoming pope.
The journey also presents an opportunity for the Catholic Church to strengthen its relationship with millions of followers while addressing concerns about declining religious participation and institutional credibility.
However, the demanding schedule will test Leo’s physical endurance following his October operation, particularly during long-distance travel, outdoor gatherings and visits to high-altitude locations.
The Vatican’s position that he has recovered and requires no special travel precautions suggests confidence in his ability to complete the programme.
As communities prepare to welcome him, the pontiff will seek to strengthen religious bonds, encourage unity and address some of the major challenges confronting South America.
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