The Pope is already in Uruguay, boasting about his form. He advises cancer patients: Don't be afraid

After more than 13 hours of flight, the Italian airlines plane landed in the afternoon local time at the capital's airport, where President Yamandu Orsi was waiting for the Pope. During his trip to South America, the Pope found time to talk to journalists. He spoke on a number of topics, including his health.

When asked about the secret of such good shape less than a month after surgery to remove lung cancer, he replied: "Faith in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle."

When asked if he felt the same as before the surgery, the Pope replied: "Maybe better."

Several times during conversations with journalists, he assured that he felt good and was in good shape.

He also said that he wanted to say to cancer patients: "Don't be afraid." He added that early detection of cancer is the best way to avoid complications, and "regular tests are a blessing." You have to take care of yourself, he emphasized. He also said the hospital experience gave him "a sense of commitment and desire to continue to be close to those who are sick, but also to emphasize... that health care should be a right for all people."

When asked if he had resumed playing tennis after the surgery, he replied that he had not yet and added that he would return to the sport.

Leo XIV thanked the journalists for their work and expressed his joy over the trip, especially his visit to Peru. I spent over 20 years in this country as a missionary and bishop. I'm very happy to go there, he said. I had no doubts about this trip, he added.

Just before the pope's visit, a 14-meter-high monument to Leo XIV was unveiled near Lima. It was created by the Peruvian sculptor Rafael Gutierrez.

Ołeszki, elections and Bob Dylan

During the flight, the head of the Church was asked whether he was satisfied with what had been achieved in the Ołeszek case, he replied: "Thank God, it worked. And I thank God every time a humanitarian gesture can save the lives of many people. I pray that this is not an isolated case. There is still a lot to do to achieve peace."

In October, the pope spoke by phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the need for a humanitarian truce in Oleski to enable assistance to be provided to the inhabitants.

Referring to Tuesday's U.S. elections, Leo XIV said: "I am proud to be an American and to have exercised my right to vote." Earlier, the Vatican announced that the pope voted by correspondence, as he had done previously when he had the opportunity. He is the first pope in history to take part in elections in his country. Leo XIV, however, did not comment on the results of the elections, won by the democrats.