Pope’s visit to South America to proceed as scheduled

By CathNews New Zealand

October 30th, 2026

Pope Leo XIV (Edgar Beltrán/The Pillar/Wikimedia Commons)

Pope Leo XIV has expressed joy and enthusiasm about his upcoming visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, which the Holy See Press Office has confirmed will take place as scheduled. Source: Vatican News.

In a statement from the Holy See Press Office on October 26, Pope Leo expressed his hopes that the visit to Latin America from November 6-17 will strengthen Christians’ commitment to proclaiming the Gospel.

“I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life,” said the Pope in the statement.

“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.”

According to the statement, the visit will “offer opportunities to strengthen the bonds of communion with the local Churches, encourage the faithful in their mission and bring a message of faith, hop and peace to the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, encountering the faith of their peoples and sharing with them the hope and peace that Christ brings to our world”.

Regarding the Pope’s recovery from surgery on October 13, the statement said the Holy Father’s recovery “continues to progress, in accordance with the favourable assessments communicated by his medical team”.

“As previously reported, the surgical procedure was successful and without complications. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the condition was localised and that no further oncological treatment is necessary,” it added.

The statement noted that Pope Leo has gradually resumed his activities while adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors “to prioritise his recovery while continuing to fulfil the responsibilities of his ministry”.

The Holy See released a schedule for the Pope’s Masses in coming weeks. Pope Leo will celebrate Mass for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2 in Rome’s Campo Verano Cemetery, as he did in 2025.

The Holy See also announced that the Holy Father would visit five Rome parishes for Advent.

FULL STORY

Pope’s visit confirmed: ‘I look forward to returning to Latin America’ (Vatican News)

Pope Leo XIV to visit five Rome parishes for Advent (Vatican News)

Pope Leo to celebrate All Souls’ Mass at Rome’s Verano Cemetery (Vatican News)