Sourced fact
The News
Pope Leo XIV begins his long journey to Latin America just three weeks after undergoing surgery to treat lung cancer, in a move described by the Vatican as a natural return for a 71-year-old man who has taken no extraordinary measures regarding his health.
A spokesperson for the Holy See revealed that the Pope is in excellent physical condition and very enthusiastic about his personally confirmed itinerary, which remains unchanged. The medical team confirmed that the tumor was discovered during a routine checkup and removed along with the lower lobe of the right lung, and that the disease has not spread.
The 12-day trip includes a visit to Uruguay after 40 years without a papal visit there, followed by Argentina as a tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who was unable to visit his homeland during his papacy, before moving on to Peru at the peak of the journey as a return to his roots.
Father Fernando Laguna, rector of Santa Maria Adolorata Church in Argentina, said that the announcement of the visit filled everyone's hearts with joy, adding that he never thought about canceling the trip despite the illness. Meanwhile, one academic described the visit as a reconnection between the Vatican and Latin America after Pope Francis's visits were not always smooth.
The Pope will head to Chiclayo, where he was appointed bishop in 2014, then to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, to celebrate Mass at over three thousand meters altitude before moving on to Pucallpa in the Amazon. Throughout all three countries, he will meet victims of sexual abuse by clergy members.
The Argentine leg is considered the most politically sensitive due to former President Javier Milei's criticism of Pope Francis; however, Milei welcomed Pope Leo via X platform, stating that Argentina awaits him with immense joy. The Pope also faces challenges related to the United States, where Donald Trump remains in office.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, the Vatican's message through this journey indicates that what happened was a "short chapter," and now we are returning to the normal path after surgery. Professor Massimo Fagiuoli from Villanova University believes that the Pope's active return to work, such as giving speeches and interviews, is very important to show he is in good condition despite health challenges.
In the broader context, this visit represents an attempt to reconnect the Holy See with Latin America after Pope Francis's visits were not always smooth. The visit to Argentina is also seen as a tribute to Pope Francis, who was unable to reach it as pope. Meanwhile, the region faces significant political and social challenges that require diplomatic and pastoral intervention.
The political aspect of the journey is particularly sensitive in Argentina, where former President Javier Milei previously described Pope Francis as "the devil on earth," but now welcomes the new Pope Leo with great joy, anticipating the presence of millions of believers. Additionally, the Vatican confirms it will meet victims of clerical sexual abuse in all three countries, a topic that previously shrouded Pope Francis's 2018 visits to Chile and Peru.
Finally, Peru stands out as the final destination of the journey, where former Bishop Robert Prevost spent 20 years before being elected pope; this period was crucial in shaping his papal message. His itinerary will include a return to the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop, then moving on to Cusco in the Andes mountains and finally to Pucallpa in the Amazon.
