Pope Leo Begins Latin America Tour
The pope is making a 12-day South America trip soon after lung cancer surgery.
November 6, 2026 · Updated Nov 6, 7:45am ET
CNNPope Leo’s Latin America trip will take him above 11,000 feet, weeks after lung cancer surgery
USA TODAYPope Leo starts South America 'homecoming' tour a month after lung surgery
Breitbart NewsPope Leo XIV Departs for 12-Day Apostolic Journey to Latin America
El PaisTrump looms over Pope Leo XIV’s first visit to the Americas
ABC NewsAfter cancer surgery, Pope Leo embarks on Latin America trip
Associated PressAfter cancer surgery, Pope Leo embarks on Latin America trip with a first stop in secular Uruguay
BBC NewsPope Leo heads to Latin America weeks after lung cancer surgery
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Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
- Pope Leo XIV
Leo XIV267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–) departed Rome on Friday to begin a 12-day Latin America tour, just over three weeks after lung cancer surgery. - The 71-year-old had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, and his medical team said the cancer had not spread.
- The Vatican said no special medical precautions were necessary for the demanding trip, which includes Cusco, Peru, more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
- The visit marks a homecoming to Peru, where the Chicago-born pope served as a missionary priest and bishop for about two decades.
- Leo is due to arrive in Uruguay on Friday before continuing to Argentina and Peru, with the tour scheduled to end November 17.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets were split in emphasis between health concerns and political tensions. CNN highlighted the “grueling” schedule and Cusco’s altitude after Leo’s surgery. El País emphasized his social justice message and tensions with President Donald Trump, noting that he would visit Argentina and Peru, whose leaders are Trump allies.
How the right told it
Only Breitbart News covered the story among the right-leaning outlets provided, emphasizing the religious journey, Leo’s recovery and his emotional return to South America. Its own report called the tour an “Apostolic journey,” while its published wire reports highlighted his ties to Peru and the Vatican’s confidence in his stamina.
