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Pope Leo starts South America 'homecoming' tour a month after lung surgery
The Vatican says Leo will deliver 36 speeches and make 12 flights as he visits Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
On Friday, Pope Leo departed Rome for an ambitious 12-day South American tour, returning to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru through November 17—a region where he served as a missionary for decades.
Vatican officials report the 71-year-old Leo has fully recovered from lung cancer surgery undergone last month, with medical experts clearing him to travel 31,000 km across 10 cities without special precautions.
Leo will deliver 36 speeches and lead outdoor Masses for crowds expected to reach 7 million people. He told pilgrims Wednesday he hopes to "strengthen the faith, renew hope, rekindle the fire of charity."
The pontiff will meet Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday to address regional instability and environmental issues. He also plans private meetings with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy during the visit.
Latin America remains the largest Catholic region, though the Church has struggled against evangelical growth and progressive social shifts. Local leaders hope the visit serves as a "homecoming" and restores the Church's standing after abuse scandals.
Pope Leo XIV has left for a 12-day trip to three South American countries. The plane carrying the head of the Catholic Church took off from Rome on Friday morning, an AFP journalist accompanying the pope said.