# Pope Leo XIV starts Latin America tour after lung cancer surgery

> The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in Uruguay three weeks after successful surgery, saying he is in good health and determined to complete his 12-day tour.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV starts Latin America tour after lung cancer…
- Summary: The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in Uruguay three weeks after successful surgery, saying he is in good health and determined to complete his 12-day tour.
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, latin america tour, lung cancer, uruguay, vatican, argentina, peru, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c60e0001ve9wo
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, latin america tour, lung cancer, uruguay, vatican, argentina, peru, news, world
## Pope arrives in Uruguay after surgery
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day Latin America tour undertaken only three weeks after surgery to remove a lung cancer tumour.
## Pope says he is in good health
The 71-year-old pontiff told reporters on his plane to Uruguay he is in quite good health. His doctors say the cancer has not spread after the successful operation.

> Thanks to the marvellous medical staff... I believe I am in quite good health.
## Pope calls for universal healthcare access
In his first speech in Montevideo, Pope Leo XIV said universal healthcare should be accessible to everyone, reflecting on the care he received and those who lack timely diagnosis.
## Tour continues to Argentina and Peru
The Pope will cover more than 20,000 miles on his sixth international tour. On Sunday he travels to Argentina, homeland of his predecessor Pope Francis, then to Peru, described as a homecoming.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV began a 12-day Latin America tour in Uruguay three weeks after lung cancer surgery, telling reporters he is in good health and determined to continue.