Pope Leo XIV departed Rome on Friday for a 12-day Apostolic Journey across Latin America, his first papal visit to the region since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church. The 69-year-old pontiff will tour Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru through November 17, marking his sixth international trip as pope and a dramatic return to Peru where he served for decades as Father Robert Prevost.
Homecoming Amid Healing
The journey begins just weeks after Pope Leo underwent surgery to remove a malignant lung tumor, raising initial concerns about postponement. Vatican officials confirmed this week that the pontiff has recovered sufficiently for travel without special medical accommodations. His Alitalia flight touched down in Montevideo Friday afternoon, where Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi welcomed him at Independence Square.
Message for a Secularized Continent
Cardinal Pietro Parolin framed the trip as addressing both spiritual hunger and societal fractures, noting Uruguay’s status as Latin America’s most secular nation. “The Pope carries a message of unity that transcends political divisions,” Parolin told Vatican News ahead of the journey. Officials anticipate nearly 40 Spanish-language addresses from the fluent pontiff across three nations.
Special Focus on Peruvian Ties
The November 13-14 leg in Chiclayo, Peru will serve as an emotional homecoming for the former priest who spent 20 years serving the region. Preparations included customized Popemobiles from General Motors and high-level security coordination across all three host countries.
Monsignor Gianfranco Gallone, Apostolic Nuncio to Uruguay, emphasized the visit’s timing amidst global crises: “Young Uruguayans facing despair need to feel the Church’s embrace. The Pope brings tangible hope that hearts can change even when systems seem broken.”
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/06/pope-leo-xiv-departs-for-apostolic-journey-to-latin-america/