Pope to press ahead with grueling South American tour next month, just two weeks after cancer surgery

[Financial News]  Just two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, Pope Leo XIV has received final medical clearance to proceed as scheduled with his 12-day South American tour next month.
On the 26th (local time), foreign media outlets including CBS News reported that the Vatican said in a statement, “Based on an assessment of the pope’s current clinical condition and the results of various detailed examinations, there are no medical contraindications to proceeding with the planned Latin American tour,” and that “the pope is strongly committed to continuing to serve the Church and is following the medical team’s recommendations very carefully.” 
The 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, running from November 6 to 17, is expected to be quite demanding given the pope’s age of 71 and his recent surgery. During the trip, he is scheduled to visit 10 cities and attend various official events and Masses, traveling twice by helicopter and 12 times by aircraft.
The Vatican specifically confirmed that the previously announced itinerary would go ahead without changes. Accordingly, the visit to Cusco, Peru, which is located at an altitude of over 3,300 meters, will remain on the schedule. Some have also noted that visiting a high-altitude area with thin air could be taxing for a patient recovering from lung surgery.
Medical staff had previously recommended canceling a visit to the Assisi Peace Meeting that was scheduled for last week to prevent side effects from helicopter travel without cabin pressure control, prompting concerns about whether the South American tour could go ahead.
The trip is also deeply significant for Leo XIV personally, as the first pope from the United States. He previously served in Peru for more than 20 years as a missionary and bishop.
In a statement, the pope said, “I am eagerly looking forward to returning to a continent where I experienced many moments of my life,” adding, “I hope this journey will be an opportunity for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen fraternity and spread the Gospel with joy.”
On the 13th, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor (lung adenocarcinoma) in the lower lobe of his right lung, which had been discovered by chance during a routine checkup. The surgery was successful and free of complications, and since being discharged on the 17th, he has gradually resumed official duties, including a General Audience in St. Peter’s Square and meetings with Church leaders.
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