Pope Leo XIV opened a 12-day South American journey in Uruguay on Friday, Nov. 6, urging leaders to make health care accessible to people regardless of their financial means.
At his first engagement, an address to Uruguayan authorities, civil society representatives and diplomats, Leo connected his appeal to his recent experience with illness and treatment. He described access to care as “a duty that confronts every society” and said he was “deeply grateful” for the treatment he received. The address also touched on suicide, human dignity and the secular character of Uruguay’s state, according to the Holy See.
The Holy See Press Office said the papal plane landed at 2:19 p.m. EST (19:19 UTC), or 4:19 p.m. local time, 11 minutes before the itinerary’s scheduled local arrival at 4:30 p.m.
The Holy See Press Office said surgery on Oct. 13 removed the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung and tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. On Oct. 21, the Vatican said the disease was localized and no further treatment was needed. An Oct. 26 update said doctors found no medical reason to prevent the trip. EconoTimes previously reported on the medical clearance for the November journey.
The Holy See said the visit is intended to strengthen ties with local churches, encourage Catholics and carry a message of faith, hope and peace. Leo has a long history in Peru: his Vatican biography records missionary work beginning in 1985, a return in 1988, and his appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
The Vatican itinerary sets a Mass in Paysandú for Saturday, Nov. 7, followed by events in Montevideo, including a visit to the Casavalle community and an evening prayer vigil. Leo is scheduled to leave for Buenos Aires on Nov. 8 and travel to Peru on Nov. 11, with the journey ending Nov. 17.