Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Latin America will go ahead next month according to the published schedule, the Holy See confirmed yesterday. Source: The Tablet.
In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said the apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on November 6-17 “will proceed according to the program previously published” in September.
It said the Pope’s recovery from surgery on October 13 to remove a growth from his lung – diagnosed as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer – “continues to progress, in accordance with the favourable assessments communicated by his medical team”.
“Since returning to the Vatican, the Holy Father has gradually resumed his activities, adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritise his recovery while continuing to fulfil the responsibilities of his ministry,” the statement continued.
On October 23, the Holy See announced that the Pope would not travel to Assisi today for the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” meeting, marking the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by John Paul II.
It said that “given the short time that has elapsed since the surgery”, his doctors had advised him against the helicopter flight to Assisi “as a precaution”. Nevertheless, it said, “his postoperative recovery is progressing very well”.
Yesterday’s statement said Pope Leo “has maintained important appointments and public engagements, remaining attentive to the needs of each day and allowing for appropriate periods of rest”.
Citing the Vatican’s chief medical officer Luigi Carbone, the Holy See said the Pope’s “latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favourable clinical condition”.
“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,” it continued.
“The Pope is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church.”
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.”
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Pope’s Latin America visit to go ahead as planned, says Vatican (By Patrick Hudson, The Tablet)
