# Pope Leo XIV Begins South America Tour

> Pope Leo XIV starts 12-day South America tour in Uruguay after lung surgery.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV Begins South America Tour · Buenos Aires Times
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV starts 12-day South America tour in Uruguay after lung surgery. Pope Leo XIV begins South America tour in Uruguay following lung surgery, aiming…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, south america tour, uruguay, lung surgery, mass celebration, catholic church, political leaders, Buenos Aires Times
- Source: Buenos Aires Times — https://batimes.com.ar/news/latin-america/pope-in-fairly-good-shape-leo-begins-south-america-tour-in-uruguay.phtml
- Author: Ella Ide & Clare Byrne, AFP
- Published: 2026-11-07T11:56:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, south america tour, uruguay, lung surgery, mass celebration, catholic church, political leaders, news, politics, world
## Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay
Pope Leo XIV begins 12-day South America tour in Uruguay, celebrating a Mass on Saturday.
## Recent Lung Surgery
Leo's 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery for a right lung tumor three weeks ago.
## Crowd Reaction in Montevideo
Thousands waved yellow-and-white Vatican flags to greet Leo as he waved from a popemobile.
## Pope's Health Update
Leo told reporters he is 'in fairly good shape' after surgery and advises others facing cancer not to be afraid.
## Uruguay's Suicide Crisis
Leo lamented Uruguay's high suicide rates, calling it a painful issue needing accessible healthcare.
## Pope's South America Itinerary
Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, meeting political leaders, prisoners, and the poor.
## Pope's Next Steps
Leo will celebrate Mass in Paysandu, visit Casavalle, and preside over a prayer vigil for 60,000 people.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV begins South America tour in Uruguay following lung surgery, aiming to bring hope to the continent.