Pope Leo XIV has begun an ambitious 11-day tour of South America, arriving in Uruguay on Friday (November 6), only about three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, AFP reported in a story carried by Malay Mail on Saturday.
The tour
A photograph shows the pope at a welcome ceremony at Plaza Independencia in Montevideo. The tour will continue with visits to Argentina and Peru. The excerpts reviewed do not provide the detailed itinerary, the events planned in each country or the measures taken to reduce the physical demands of the trip.
His health
The headline says the pope told reporters he is in fairly good shape three weeks after the lung surgery. His comment is the main information given in the excerpt about his condition, and readers should rely on the Vatican's official communications for any medical updates.
Why it matters
South America is home to a large share of the world's Catholics, and papal visits often draw huge crowds and attract political and social attention. A long international trip so soon after surgery is notable, and many observers will be watching how the schedule unfolds.
Updates are likely to be published by the Vatican press office as the tour progresses through its three destinations.
