Pope Leo: Faith, Healing, and Peace From the Air
Less than a month after partial right-lung surgery, he opens a 12-day mission to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, urging early cancer checks.
On Friday, November 6, 2026, Pope Leo XIV walked to the rear of the papal aircraft bound for Montevideo and spoke informally with about eighty journalists traveling with him. The exchange, customary on outbound legs of papal journeys, opened a twelve-day mission to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru less than a month after surgery that removed part of his right lung.
Health, recovery, and the sick
He acknowledged that “some people were doubtful about this trip taking place,” yet insisted he “had no doubt and was convinced that this trip had to go forward.” Asked the secret of his rapid recovery, he answered: “Faith in God, good doctors, and a healthy lifestyle.” To cancer patients he said: “Not to be afraid. Early detection is obviously the best way to go, and so regular checkups are a blessing. And take care of yourselves.”
He added that the operation had deepened his desire to stand close to the sick and his conviction that “healthcare should be a right of all people”—a theme he intended to raise before Uruguay’s president. He said he felt “rather well,” thanked the medical team flying with him, and recalled reading his breviary, a prayer book, and newspapers during his stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He has not yet returned to tennis but plans to: “Not yet, but I will.” Of his September visit to Lourdes, where he prayed with the sick, he said there had been “no signs of any difficulties” with his own health and that he was “much more concerned about the health of those there.”
Citizenship, ballots, and unfinished peace
On U.S. elections this month, the Illinois native confirmed he cast an absentee ballot: “I’m proud to be an American and to exercise the right.” He declined to comment on results. As a naturalized Peruvian citizen, he said he had been unable to vote in Peru’s elections earlier this year from Rome: “I didn’t vote because it wasn’t possible, but I would’ve done it, it’s a good thing.”
Turning to Ukraine, he spoke of a truce at Oleshky that he had called for and promoted: “Thanks be to God for what has been achieved, but there is still much to work on to reach peace.”
He also presented Montse Alvarado, who took office November 1 as prefect of the Dicastery for Communications and is traveling with him. He praised her “wonderful experience, creativity, and liveliness.”