By Karim Hammam
Pope Leo XIV will embark Friday on a 12-day, three-nation tour of Latin America, his longest and farthest trip since becoming pope. The journey from November 6 to 17 covers Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina, spanning 31,000 kilometers with a dozen flights and two helicopter rides. It comes just three weeks after the 71-year-old underwent surgery on October 13 to remove a cancerous tumor from the lower lobe of his right lung.
The Vatican said no special medical provisions are planned beyond standard care, including when the pope travels to Cusco, Peru, at 3,400 meters altitude. Spokesperson Matteo Bruni described the condition as something to heal from, not permanent.
Uruguay: a secular starting point
The trip begins in Uruguay, the most secular country in Latin America, where Christmas is officially “Family Day” and Holy Week is “Tourism Week.” Only about a third of Uruguay’s 3.5 million people identify as Catholic. Vatican communications chief Maria Montserrat Alvarado said the pope wants to meet people and inspire them to reconsider the church’s role. He is expected to address abortion and euthanasia, topics on which Uruguay has legislated against church teaching.
Peru: a personal homecoming
The final leg in Peru holds special significance. Leo, born Robert Prevost, spent two decades there as a missionary priest and later headed the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He holds Peruvian citizenship and has called the country formative for his pastoral identity. Alvarado predicted he will speak off-the-cuff in Spanish and show a relaxed side similar to his June visit to Spain.
Argentina: navigating a complex legacy
In Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo will confront a complicated legacy. Francis never returned to Argentina during his 13-year pontificate. Leo’s visit may fill that void, but it also brings political delicacy. President Javier Milei, a self-described “anarcho-capitalist,” once called Francis a “filthy leftist.” Theologian Leo Guardado expects discussions on artificial intelligence investment, a priority for Milei and a concern for Leo regarding humanity and the environment.
