Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay to Begin South American Tour

OPA WIRE, Nov 7 (OPA) — Pope Leo XIV touched down in Uruguay on Wednesday, marking the official start of a demanding 12-day pastoral tour across South America. Vatican officials confirmed the itinerary includes multiple stops throughout the region, focusing on regional diplomacy and local parish engagements.

The international journey follows a medical procedure last month, during which the pontiff underwent lung surgery at a Rome hospital. Medical teams cleared the 89-year-old leader for travel after a successful recovery period and standard post-operative evaluations.

Security has been heightened across the capital as crowds gathered near the airport to welcome the papal delegation. Local authorities coordinated closely with Swiss Guard personnel to manage the arrivals and procession routes.

The tour will continue through several neighboring nations over the coming days, with scheduled addresses addressing regional migration, economic disparities, and interfaith dialogue before the pontiff returns to Vatican City.