Pope Leo’s Latin America trip will take him above 11,000 feet, weeks after lung cancer surgery

Just over three weeks ago, the most significant visit of Pope Leo’s pontificate looked to be in doubt. The 71-year-old’s lung cancer surgery led some in the Vatican to believe his trip to Latin America would be postponed or its intense schedule adjusted. But Leo XIV is forging ahead with a grueling 12-day visit, which includes Uruguay, Argentina, and an emotional “homecoming” to Peru, the country where he served as a missionary and bishop for around two decades. He plans to cover a lot of ground – around 19,000 miles – while in Latin America. From November 6 to 17, the pope is scheduled to take 14 flights (including two in a helicopter), give 36 speeches and participate in around 50 events in what is one of the most intense papal trips of recent years.