Pope Leo has received medical clearance to carry out a demanding 12-day tour of South America next month, roughly two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, the Vatican announced on Monday.
"Based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America as planned," the Vatican said in a statement. It added that the pope is following medical recommendations "with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church."
The trip, scheduled for Nov. 6 to 17, will take the 71-year-old pontiff to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The itinerary is punishing: he plans to visit 10 cities, take 14 flights, and appear at numerous public events and religious ceremonies.
The Vatican also confirmed the journey will go ahead "according to the program previously published." That means a stop in the Peruvian city of Cuzco, which sits at more than 11,000 feet above sea level, is still planned. The thinner air at that altitude could be challenging for someone recovering from lung surgery.
Questions about whether the pope could manage the trip arose again last week. On the advice of his doctors, Leo canceled a helicopter visit to Assisi for an international peace gathering set for Tuesday. The doctors said they recommended the step as a precaution because of the unpressurized air on a helicopter flight.
The tour holds special personal meaning for Leo, the first American-born pope, who spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru. "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life," he said in a statement on Monday. "May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy."
Leo underwent surgery on Oct. 13, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his lung after finding a malignant tumor. The cancer, identified as a lung adenocarcinoma, was discovered by chance during a routine abdominal examination, his doctors said.
Since leaving the hospital, the pope has gradually returned to his public duties. These include his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square and meetings with visiting church leaders.
