Pope Leo in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on November 4, 2026.
Stefano Spaziani/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
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Just over three weeks ago, the most significant visit of Pope Leo’s pontificate looked to be in doubt. The 71-year-old’s lung cancer surgery led some in the Vatican to believe his trip to Latin America would be postponed or its intense schedule adjusted.

But Leo XIV is forging ahead with a grueling 12-day visit, which includes Uruguay, Argentina, and an emotional “homecoming” to Peru, the country where he served as a missionary and bishop for around two decades.