Pope begins lengthy trip to Latin America weeks after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is beginning a lengthy trip to Latin America just three weeks after surgery for lung cancer - a tour that includes a much-anticipated "homecoming" to Peru where he was a priest for many years. The Vatican says no extraordinary measures are being taken in relation to the Pope's health, describing him as a "71-year-old who has undergone an operation" not someone with a "permanent medical condition". It was Leo himself who revealed last month that doctors had discovered a tumour during a routine scan.

The growth was removed along with the lower lobe of his right lung and his medical team then confirmed the cancer had not spread. At a briefing in Rome ahead of the trip, which takes in Uruguay and Argentina as well as Peru, a spokeswoman stressed that Pope Leo had "fantastic stamina" and was "extremely enthusiastic" about the schedule which he had "personally confirmed... with no changes".

"We have seen him in these last few days making speeches, audiences and so on. He seems in great shape. That was important." The 12-day tour would be demanding for anyone, though.