Pope Leo XIV says he is “in pretty good shape” after his operation, on the first day of his tour of South America

Pope Leo

During the trip from the Vatican, he assured that he felt “in pretty good shape” after the procedure, and ready for his 12-day journey during which he will celebrate nine masses and deliver 36 speeches, including in Chiclayo, in northern Peru, where he has worked for almost two decades. “I know some people doubted that this trip could take place,” Leon told reporters aboard his flight from Rome to Uruguay, where he will inaugurate the first leg of an ambitious three-country tour, including around 50 events in ten cities.

“I had no doubt and I was convinced that this trip had to take place”

“I admit that from the first day, I had no doubt and I was convinced that this trip had to take place,” he added. “I am very happy to be able to say, thank the Lord, and thanks to wonderful medical care, that I am here today, in pretty good shape, I think. »

Leo XIV, aged 71, underwent the removal of part of his right lung on October 13 to treat lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. His doctors indicated that the disease was localized and that he would not need further treatment. The cancer diagnosis in a relatively young pope known for his good physical condition has come as a shock and raised fears that he will not be able to carry out the trip planned for November 6-17, one of the most demanding foreign tours undertaken by a Catholic leader in decades.

Asked Friday by journalists about the secret that allowed him to travel so soon after his operation, the pope replied: “Faith in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle.” He said his stay in the hospital gave him “the desire to continue to be close to the sick, but also to remember… that health care should be a right for all.” Leo XIV, known to be a tennis player, also clarified that he had not yet returned to the court. “But I will,” he promised a journalist.