Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay for a 12-day tour of South America, three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery.
The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in the country on Friday, with journalists aboard the papal plane confirming his arrival.
Speaking to reporters during the flight from the Vatican, Leo said he was in “fairly good shape” and “very happy” to be returning to South America, where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary.
“I know some people were doubtful about this trip taking place,” he said.
“I had no doubt and was convinced that this trip had to go forward,” the Pope added.
The visit marks the beginning of his 12-day South American tour, which comes weeks after his surgery.
Leo’s trip is expected to take him across the continent as he reconnects with a region where he spent a significant part of his missionary life.
