Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a 12-day trip to Latin America, just three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his right lung. The visit includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where the Holy Father is expected to experience an emotional return to the country where he served for nearly 20 years.

The Vatican has assured that the Pope is in good health and that no extraordinary measures are planned for the trip. Doctors confirmed that the tumor was completely removed and that the cancer had not spread to other parts of the body.

According to Vatican spokesmen, Leo XIV has shown extraordinary consistency and has personally confirmed the entire program of the visit, without changes.

In Argentina, the birthplace of Pope Francis, Leo's visit is also seen as a tribute to his predecessor, who failed to visit the country as Pope.

He is expected to meet with President Javier Miel, with whom the Catholic Church has had disagreements over economic policies and social spending cuts.

The most exciting part of the trip is expected to be a visit to Peru. Pope Leo, born in the US with the name Robert Prevost, spent nearly two decades in the country and also holds Peruvian citizenship.

He will return to the diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop since 2014, and will also visit Cusco and the Amazon region.

During his visits to the three countries, the Pope will also meet with survivors of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy.

The trip is considered an important moment for strengthening the Vatican's ties with Latin America, but also a test of the Pope's physical condition after surgery.