Leo XIV begins South American tour in Montevideo with more than 50 engagements

Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo on Friday to begin a South American tour that will also take him to Argentina and Peru. The 71-year-old pope said he was able to meet the more than 50 engagements on the schedule. The visit combines religious celebrations, contact with local communities and meetings with political leaders in the three countries on the continental itinerary of the first U.S.-born pontiff.

During the flight from Rome, the pontiff addressed questions about his recovery and explained that he had always expected the trip to proceed. He referred to the October 13 operation; he was discharged four days later. Doctors quoted by the Vatican believe he can travel without additional treatment. Asked about cancer, he recommended regular screenings and emphasized the value of early detection in a message to people facing that diagnosis.

Health was also central to his first public remarks in the Uruguayan capital. Before thousands of attendees, he asked that no one be excluded from medical care because of their financial circumstances. He presented access as a collective responsibility. Explaining the purpose of his sixth apostolic visit, he emphasized drawing closer to communities, bringing them hope and meeting personally with the faithful at each destination.

The planned travel includes 12 flights and two helicopter journeys. In the Andes, the pope will take part in a prayer service at high altitude. He will also celebrate outdoor Masses and meet older people and representatives of Indigenous Amazonian communities. The Vatican has said the pontiff's recovery is continuing. Christopher White of Georgetown University said the operation would increase attention on how the demanding visit unfolds.

A meeting with President Yamandú Orsi is scheduled in Uruguay. The country and the Church differ on abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage. At the next stop, Argentina, the itinerary includes meetings with President Javier Milei. Argentine authorities estimate that the pontiff's reception could draw seven million pilgrims in the country where his predecessor Francis was born but never returned during his papacy.

Peru will be the final destination and account for most of the visit. Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship and worked there as a missionary before serving as bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru. During the flight, he expressed his closeness to the country, which he considers one of his homes. Before becoming pope, he was known as Robert Francis Prevost and had devoted a substantial part of his religious life to Peruvian communities.