Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV's trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru for 6-17 November

Trip confirmed after surgery

The Holy See Press Office said on Monday, 26 October 2026, that Pope Leo XIV's apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will take place from 6 to 17 November, following the itinerary published earlier. The statement came about two weeks after the Pope had surgery on 13 October to remove an adenocarcinoma from his chest. The Vatican communiqué attributes to Dr. Luigi Carbone the confirmation that the post-operative recovery continues to progress and that the latest medical examinations confirm good health. The Holy See said the clinical picture and the test results left no obstacle to the trip.

“There are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking the upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America as planned.”

Recovery and the coming days

The Pope will not travel to Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, 27 October, the day he usually spends there for rest, and his convalescence will continue at the Vatican. He is scheduled to hold his general audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday, 28 October, according to the Holy See Press Office calendar. He is also skipping the Assisi interreligious meeting on 27 October, which the Sant'Egidio Community organises to mark 40 years since the 1986 gathering with John Paul II, and will send participants a videomessage instead. Earlier, he had said he wanted to resume his commitments gradually after the operation.

Preparations in Peru

Tickets for the youth meeting at Lima's National Stadium and for the Mass at the Las Palmas air base will be digital, free and issued without reservation. The Peruvian government has set up special units to coordinate the Pope's protection during his stay in the country. Among the announced measures, the air force will deploy anti-drone systems over the areas concerned.

The Pope's message

In a statement issued by the Holy See, the Pope said he was glad to return to the continent where he has lived many moments of his life.

“I am happy to be able to return to the continent in which I have lived many moments of my life.”

He hoped the journey would open hearts to one another and strengthen communion among brothers and sisters. The statement says he follows medical recommendations carefully and looks forward to bringing a message of faith, hope and peace to the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.