Pope Leo cleared by Vatican doctors for South America trip just weeks after cancer surgery

Pope Leo cleared by Vatican doctors for South America trip just weeks after cancer surgery Pope Leo underwent cancer surgery earlier this month - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Pope Leo has been declared fit to travel to South America next month, as confirmed by his doctors. The Vatican indicated on Monday that his recovery from lung cancer surgery on 13 October was on track, and that the trip, which runs from November 6 to 17, will go ahead as planned. The pontiff is due to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. "The Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," the Vatican said in a statement, citing Leo's personal physician Luigi Carbone. "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," the statement added. The pope’s South America tour is expected to be one of the most intense foreign trips taken by a Catholic leader in decades. He is scheduled to travel approximately 31,000 km (19,300 miles) over the 10-city tour and give 36 speeches. The Vatican stated that next month’s trip would go ahead with no changes to the previously published agenda. The trip announcement comes after the Vatican confirmed last Friday that the pope had cancelled planned visit to Assisi to avoid a helicopter flight amid his recovery from lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff had been due to visit the Italian town of Assisi, north of Rome, on Tuesday to mark the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s World Day of Prayer for Peace. "To support his recovery following thoracic surgery last Tuesday, and in accordance with doctors' advice, Pope Leo XIV will be unable to attend," the Vatican said in a statement last week. That cancellation was confirmed after he had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in surgery on 13 October and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The pope was discharged from hospital on 17 October and has been gradually resuming his normal duties in recent days. Last Wednesday, he returned to St Peter's Square for his weekly audience with pilgrims.