Pope Leo Begins Latin America Tour Just Weeks After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo began a tour of Latin America on [date], traveling to Uruguay just three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, according to the BBC. The Vatican said the pontiff was in 'pretty good health' as he started the visit, his first major international trip since the operation.

The tour comes only weeks after the Pope's surgery for lung cancer, an unusually short recovery period before resuming international travel. The Vatican's assessment that he is in 'pretty good health' was offered as the trip got underway, though further details on his medical condition and itinerary were not immediately available in the source dispatch.

The visit places the Pope's health and stamina under close scrutiny and is likely to draw attention from Catholic communities across Latin America and beyond. Observers will be watching how the pontiff handles the demands of the tour and whether the Vatican provides further updates on his condition as the trip proceeds.