Pope Leo XIV was released from hospital after successful cancer surgery

Pope Leo was discharged after a successful cancer operation with no further treatment required; no doctors have said so far, but now he makes plans to visit Latin America this coming November

Pope plans to resume activities in Vatican City after surgery, and a trip planned earlier to Latin America is to be arranged in the near future:

Only two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, Pope Leo XIV has been given the medical green light to embark on an ambitious 12-day tour of South America next month.

In a statement released on Monday, the Vatican stated, "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 to Latin America as planned." "The Pope is following the recommendations made by the medical professionals with a great deal of care and diligence, and he has a strong desire to continue serving the Church." Particularly exhausting is the trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which is scheduled for November 6-17.

The pontiff, who is 71 years old, plans to visit 10 cities, board 14 flights, and attend numerous public events and religious ceremonies. The trip would continue "according to the program previously published," as confirmed by the Vatican. This means that a trip to the Peruvian city of Cuzco, which is located more than 11,000 feet above sea level, will still be included in the itinerary. Someone recovering from lung surgery may face difficulties due to the thinner air there. Doubts about the pope's ability to undergo the South American trip surfaced again last week, when, on the advice of his doctors, Leo canceled a visit by helicopter to Assisi for an international peace gathering to take place Tuesday. Due to the lack of pressure in the air during the helicopter ride, the doctors said they advised him to do so as a preventative measure. The upcoming journey carries particular personal significance for the first American-born pope, who spent more than two decades working as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

He said in a statement on Monday, "I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life." "May this journey be an opportunity for us to open our hearts to one another, bolster our communion as brothers and sisters, and reaffirm our commitment to joyfully proclaiming the Gospel." On October 13, doctors removed a cancerous tumor from Leo's right lung by removing the lower lobe. His doctors said that during a routine abdominal exam, the cancer, which they determined to be a lung adenocarcinoma, was found by accident. The operation was successful, without complications, and Leo was discharged from the hospital on Oct. 17.

Since leaving the hospital, Leo has gradually resumed his public duties, including his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square and meetings with visiting church leaders.