Poised for breakout moment in Latin America, Pope Leo also faces test of health

The Washington Post · Anthony Faiola · 2026-11-06 10:00 UTC

Just weeks after his cancer surgery, Leo will navigate the tide of secularism, deep polarization — and high altitudes.

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Latin America on Friday for a 12-day trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru that was set to be his breakout moment — with predictions of the largest, most effusive crowds of his papacy — and a historic homecoming for the Chicago-born pontiff, who holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship.

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Poised for breakout moment in Latin America, Pope Leo also faces test of health

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