Pope Leo XIV told reporters aboard the plane to Uruguay that he is “in pretty good health” after a recent operation to remove a lung tumour. The 71‑year‑old pontiff, who has been in the news for a tumour discovered during a routine scan, said he was “very happy” to be able to travel, a journey that was called into doubt last month.
The first stop of a 12‑day tour that will cover Argentina and a highly anticipated return to Peru, the Pope said he had no doubts that the trip would go forward. “I must confess that, from the very first day, I never had any doubts; I was convinced that this journey had to go forward,” he told journalists.
He thanked the “marvellous medical staff” and confirmed that the cancer has not spread. On Friday, he arrived in Montevideo to a seafront lined with crowds shouting his name as his Popemobile passed. In his first speech at Plaza Independencia, the Pope called for universal healthcare to be “accessible to everyone” and reflected on the many people who lack the means for timely diagnosis or treatment.
He capped the day with a prayer at the Montevideo Cathedral before heading to Argentina on Sunday. The Pope said his visit was about being near the people who look to the Church for a message of hope.
