Pope Leo XIV embarked on a 12-day tour of South America on Friday, just weeks after he underwent major surgery for lung cancer. 

The pope was diagnosed with lung cancer last month and underwent surgery to have the lower lobe of his right lung removed. The diagnosis was previously suspected by preoperative tests but was confirmed during the procedure.

The 71-year-old religious leader's tour will encompass three countries in 12 days, a dozen flights, two helicopter rides and nine Masses on a trip covering around 19,000 miles. The countries are Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, according to NBC News. 

Leo considers the tour a “homecoming to places where he spent a long time and to which he feels closely connected,” Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told journalists this week. The pope, who was born in the United States, is a dual citizen of Peru.

Bruni said the pope will address a range of issues facing South America, including environmental destruction, ⁠arms trafficking and regional political instability, bringing “a message of communion and unity.”

The pope will begin in Uruguay, then travel to Argentina for three days, in the first papal visit to Argentina since Pope John Paul II traveled to the country in 1987, then close out the trip with six days in Peru.

Bruni said the pope should not need any additional medical measures after his cancer battle, having recovered enough to go without it, and doctors have said the cancer was localized and no additional treatment is necessary.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.