Pope Leo begins Latin America tour in Uruguay

· Politics · Uruguay · Argentina

Pope Leo arrived in Uruguay on Friday to begin a 12-day tour of South America that will also take him to Argentina and Peru. The trip is something of a homecoming for the 71-year-old pontiff, who lived in Peru for almost two decades and holds joint US and Peruvian citizenship. It comes three weeks after surgery to remove a tumour from his lung, which had put the entire tour in question. Uruguay is the region's least Catholic and most secular country. Leo, born in Chicago, is likely the first pope to have voted in a secular election while serving as pontiff.

Why it matters：The pope's first major trip since surgery carries significance for the church in Latin America, home to a large share of the world's Catholics.

Key points

  • The tour covers Uruguay, Argentina and Peru over 12 days.
  • Leo had lung surgery three weeks ago.
  • He lived in Peru for almost two decades.

Sources (original reporting)

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