Health & Science · October 26, 2026
Pope cleared for South America trip after lung cancer surgery
The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Leo XIV is medically cleared to proceed with his 12-day apostolic journey to South America from Nov. 6 to 17. The decision follows a post-surgery checkup after the 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove a malignant lobe due to adenocarcinoma. Despite the grueling schedule—which includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—doctors stated there are no medical contraindications to the travel. The itinerary remains unchanged, including a high-altitude visit to Cuzco, Peru, located over 11,000 feet above sea level.
Read the original coverage
- CBS NewsMainstream
Pope Leo cleared to make his trip to South America after successful lung cancer surgery
Read at CBS News ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Vatican confirms Pope Leo’s Latin America trip after post-surgery checkup
Read at New York Post ↗ - Washington TimesMainstream
Vatican confirms Pope Leo's Latin America trip after post-surgery checkup
Read at Washington Times ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Pope Leo XIV is cleared to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17
- The Vatican released a statement on Monday confirming the trip after medical assessments
- The Pope underwent surgery for lung cancer in October
- The trip includes multiple flights and high-altitude locations
- The Pope's recovery is progressing according to his medical team
Reported by only some outlets
- CBS News reports the surgery occurred two weeks ago, while the New York Post and Washington Times specify it was three weeks ago (Oct. 13)
- The New York Post identifies the specific cancer type as adenocarcinoma
- CBS News notes the trip involves 14 flights and 10 cities, while the New York Post mentions a dozen flights and two helicopter rides
- The New York Post identifies the Pope's physician as Luigi Carbone
What the evidence actually shows
Vatican medical assessments and laboratory tests found no clinical contraindications to Pope Leo XIV traveling. The surgery on Oct. 13 involved the removal of a lobe containing a malignant nodule, identified as adenocarcinoma.
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