VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV began his sixth apostolic journey on Friday, leaving Rome for Montevideo at the start of a 12-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, the Holy See Press Office said.
He left the San Damaso Courtyard in the Vatican and rode by car out to Leonardo da Vinci–Rome Fiumicino Airport. The ITA Airways flight left at 7:05 a.m. Touchdown at Montevideo-Carrasco International Airport was set for 4:30 p.m. local time — 8:30 p.m. back in Rome.
A Message to Italy’s President
On leaving Italian territory, Leo sent a telegram to President Sergio Mattarella of Italy.
“As I prepare to embark on my Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, I entrust the hopes for peace and brotherhood of those peoples to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the Saints who proclaimed to them the Gospel of charity,”
Twelve Days, 10 Cities
The journey runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17. Reuters reported that Leo will travel across 10 cities and give 36 speeches on the tour, covering some 31,000 kilometres, or 19,300 miles.
Uruguay is the first stop, and he will stay there until Sunday, visiting three cities. Argentina follows for three days, and Peru, where he will spend six days, is the final and longest leg of the trip.
Weeks After Lung Surgery
Leo, 71, is making the trip a little over three weeks after lung cancer surgery. CNN reported that surgeons removed a third of his right lung last month after a small growth found in routine checks was later confirmed as cancer.
His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said after the operation that there were “no clinical reasons why this visit should not take place,” and doctors have said Leo does not need further treatment. A medical team will travel with him, Vatican officials told reporters. Beyond that, they said, no special measures are in place.
Cusco is on the schedule too — a Peruvian city more than 11,000 feet up.
A Homecoming in Peru
Peru is personal for this pope. Leo still holds Peruvian citizenship. He first arrived as a missionary in his 30s, and from 2015 to 2023 he was Bishop of Chiclayo, in the country’s northwest.
He will return to Chiclayo during the trip. CNN reported that crowds of around 1.2 million people are expected at his final Mass of the trip, at Las Palmas Airbase in Lima.
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