Pope in 'good health' and trip to South America will go ahead as planned, Vatican says

The Pope is recovering well from cancer surgery and his trip to South America will go ahead as planned next month, the Vatican has said.

Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on 13 October and was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

The Vatican said on Monday that medical tests indicated he's in ⁠"good health" and has a "favourable clinical ⁠condition".

It comes a few days after doctors revealed his cancer was localised and he won't need more surgery.

"Based ‌on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that ‌would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey," Monday's statement said.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Uruguay and Argentina, as well as Peru - a country where he spent decades as a missionary before he returned to Rome in 2023.

The visit begins on 6 November and involves a busy schedule for the 71-year-old.

He's due to give 36 speeches, travel more than 19,000 miles on a dozen flights, take two high-altitude helicopter flights, and visit 10 cities.

The Vatican said there would be no changes to the itinerary planned before the Pope's diagnosis.

"I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I've experienced so many moments of my life," the pontiff said.

"May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy."

More from Sky News:
Anthropic reveals plans for blockbuster IPO
Brazil's President Lula wins historic fourth term

Leo is already back to familiar duties and on Sunday once again addressed the faithful in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

However, in a sign that doctors are still proceeding with some caution, officials have cancelled a planned visit to the Italian town of Assisi this Tuesday.

The Vatican said it was a precautionary move to avoid the helicopter flight and "facilitate his recovery".

(c) Sky News 2026: Pope in 'good health' and trip to South America will go ahead as planned, Vatican says