Pope Leo cleared for Latin America trip following surgery

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, beginning his trip next week as planned after doctors cleared him to make the journey following his lung cancer surgery, the Holy See Press Office confirmed.

  In a statement issued Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff was recovering well and that medical examinations showed no need for further cancer treatment.

  His doctor, Luigi Carbone, said there were no medical reasons preventing the trip, the pontiff has been gradually resuming his duties since returning to the Vatican, while adjusting his schedule to allow for rest.

  “I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life,” the pope said in the statement.

  The visit aims to strengthen ties with local catholic communities and being a message of faith, hope and peace to the three nations. 

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