The first American-born pope arrives in Uruguay for a 12-day visit to three countries, speaking about his recovery from lung cancer, voting in the U.S. midterms and access to health care.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Friday, November 6, 2026, beginning a 12-day journey through South America just over three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff also confirmed that he had voted in the recent United States midterm elections, marking an unusual moment for the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The visit will take Leo to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and November 17. It is his longest international journey since becoming pope in May 2025 and includes meetings with government leaders, religious communities, young people and workers.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal aircraft, Leo discussed his recovery from surgery and his decision to participate in the American election. He said he felt well enough to complete the demanding schedule and thanked his doctors for helping him return to his responsibilities.
Pope Confirms He Voted in U.S. Midterm Elections
Leo, who was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, confirmed that he cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois during the November 3 midterm elections. The Vatican had previously acknowledged that he intended to vote, drawing attention to his continued participation in American civic life.
The pope explained that voting remains important to him despite his responsibilities as head of the Catholic Church.
“I’m proud to be an American and to exercise the right,” Leo told reporters during the flight, according to America magazine.
He did not identify the candidates he supported or disclose how he voted. When questioned about election results in Texas, he declined to offer a political assessment.
Reuters reported that Leo’s participation appears to be the first time a sitting pope has voted in an American national election. His predecessor, Pope Francis, did not participate in secular elections while serving as pontiff.
Election officials in Will County, Illinois, confirmed that Leo had requested an absentee ballot. The Vatican said his participation reflected his belief that citizens have a right and responsibility to take part in democratic elections.
Before becoming pope, Prevost had participated in American elections while maintaining his connections to Illinois. Public voting records have also attracted attention because they indicate participation in both Republican and Democratic primary elections.
Those records do not reveal whom he supported in the 2026 midterms. Participation in a party primary also does not necessarily establish a person’s political affiliation or voting preferences in a general election.
The pope holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, reflecting his years of service as a missionary and bishop in Peru. Asked whether he had also voted in Peruvian elections, Leo said he had not been able to do so but would have welcomed the opportunity.
Leo Discusses Recovery From Lung Cancer
The trip follows a significant medical procedure that raised questions about whether the pope would be able to travel.
On October 13, Leo underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors identified a suspicious growth in his right lung. Medical examinations confirmed that the tumor was lung adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that develops in cells lining the lungs.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a minimally invasive, video-assisted procedure. The Vatican reported that the operation was successful and that no complications occurred during surgery.
The procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the pope spent about three hours in the operating room. He remained hospitalized while doctors monitored his recovery and reviewed additional test results.
The Vatican subsequently reported encouraging progress, allowing the planned South American journey to proceed.
During the flight to Montevideo, Leo acknowledged that some observers had questioned whether he should travel so soon after surgery. He said he had remained confident that the visit could go forward.
“I had no doubt and was convinced that this trip had to go forward,” the pope said.
He credited his recovery to faith, medical care and healthy living. The pope also expressed appreciation for the medical professionals who treated him.
When asked what advice he would offer people facing cancer, Leo emphasized the importance of medical examinations and timely diagnosis.
“Not to be afraid,” he said, adding that early detection and regular checkups can make an important difference.
His comments reflected his personal experience rather than a medical recommendation specific to any individual patient. Treatment and recovery from lung cancer depend on factors including the disease’s stage, the patient’s condition and the results of medical testing.
Health Care Becomes a Focus of Uruguay Visit
Leo said his recent illness had strengthened his commitment to people experiencing health problems or living with disabilities.
The pope explained that he wanted to remain close to those who are sick, describing compassionate care as an important part of his ministry.
He also indicated that access to medical services would be a theme of his public remarks in Uruguay. Speaking to journalists, Leo said health care should be recognized as a right available to everyone.
The message was particularly meaningful given his recent treatment. The pope had previously visited the Marian shrine at Lourdes in France, a pilgrimage destination associated with prayer for people who are sick.
Leo told reporters that he had not experienced symptoms suggesting a serious health problem during that visit. He said his attention at the time had been directed toward the pilgrims seeking spiritual comfort and healing.
His experience with cancer has now brought new personal meaning to his longstanding interest in caring for vulnerable communities.
Uruguay Welcomes the Pontiff to Montevideo
The papal aircraft landed at Montevideo-Carrasco International Airport on Friday afternoon after a flight of approximately 13 hours from Rome.
Leo received an official welcome before traveling to Plaza Independencia for a meeting with political authorities, civil society representatives and diplomats.
In his first public address in Uruguay, the pope thanked the country’s leaders for their invitation and hospitality. He expressed his desire to meet local communities and learn more about their experiences.
The Vatican’s official itinerary included a meeting with Uruguay’s president and an evening prayer service at Montevideo’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
The following day, November 7, Leo is scheduled to travel to Paysandú to celebrate Mass. He will then return to Montevideo for meetings with local communities and an evening prayer vigil at Centenario Stadium.
On November 8, the pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass near the Cathedral Basilica of Florida before departing for Argentina.
The visit includes discussions about faith, education, social concerns and the challenges facing communities throughout the region.
Argentina Visit Honors Connections to Pope Francis
Leo will arrive in Buenos Aires on November 8, beginning the second stage of his journey.
The Argentina itinerary includes meetings with government officials, religious leaders, workers and young people. He is also scheduled to visit a care facility in Claypole and celebrate Mass in Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
The trip carries additional significance because Argentina was the homeland of Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor.
Francis, who died in April 2025, never returned to Argentina during his 12-year papacy. Asked whether his visit would honor Francis, Leo acknowledged the connection while emphasizing that the journey’s primary purpose was to share the Christian message.
The visit also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Vatican and religious communities across Argentina.
Leo is scheduled to leave Buenos Aires for Peru on November 11.
Peru Brings the Pope Back to His Former Home
The final and longest stage of the journey will take Leo to Peru, a country where he spent much of his religious career before becoming pope.
The pontiff served as a missionary and later as bishop of Chiclayo, developing strong relationships with communities across the country.
His scheduled stops include Lima, Chiclayo and smaller communities in northern Peru. The itinerary includes religious services, meetings with university students and visits to places connected with his earlier ministry.
The pope has described Peru as one of his homes and expressed particular happiness about returning.
His journey is expected to cover approximately 19,000 miles in total, according to reporting by America magazine. The extensive travel schedule has attracted attention because it follows so closely after major surgery.
Leo nevertheless maintained a relaxed manner while speaking with journalists. He joked about a possible Bruce Springsteen concert for Vatican reporters and discussed his recent meeting with musician Bob Dylan.
The pope also spoke about the importance of work and the effects of technological change on society. His comments reflected concerns about maintaining human dignity as artificial intelligence and automation reshape employment.
The South American journey is scheduled to end November 17, when Leo returns to Rome. His immediate schedule includes Saturday’s Mass in Paysandú and further meetings in Montevideo before he travels to Argentina.
IMAGE: Pope Leo XIV on the loggia after his election. Photo: Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar / Wikimedia, taken 2025-05-08, CC BY-SA 4.0