Pope Leo XIV is coming despite surgery: Lima prepares for a Mass with more than a million faithful
The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Leo XIV will travel to Peru as planned after his lung surgery. In Lima, where the former missionary spent years of his life, preparations are under way: more than a million people are expected at the closing Mass on 16 November. Meanwhile, abuse victims of the Sodalicio are demanding to be heard by the pope.
What happened
The trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November will go ahead as scheduled, the Holy See said. Leo XIV underwent lung surgery in Rome on 13 October; according to El Comercio, an adenocarcinoma was diagnosed and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. His personal physician said there were no medical objections to the trip and no further cancer treatment was needed. The 71-year-old, the first pope from the United States, also holds Peruvian citizenship thanks to his years as a missionary and bishop.
The pope lands in Lima on the evening of 11 November and meets the authorities at the Government Palace. He then travels to Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa before returning on 16 November for the large Mass at the Las Palmas air base in the Surco district. The government has declared 11, 12 and 16 November non-working days in Lima and Callao, to be made up later.
The mood on the ground
On Monday the Archdiocese of Lima explained how the faithful can secure a place: free tickets will be issued through an online platform from 5 to 8 November, up to eight per person. Because a huge rush is expected, the digital tickets carry the holder's name and ID number, may not be sold or transferred, and children need their own ticket too. A prayer vigil with young people at the National Stadium is also planned for 12 November.
The pope himself wrote that he was filled with joy to return to the continent where he had spent so many moments of his life, and thanked people for their prayers during his recovery. Lima's major newspapers are covering the visit in every detail, from the pope's health to ticket deadlines and his route through the country.
Not everyone is looking forward to the visit without reservations. Thirty-three victims and survivors of the dissolved Catholic lay group Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana sent the pope an open letter dated Lima, 26 October. They ask for a meeting during the trip and complain that their earlier requests went unanswered. The group's dissolution, they say, has brought neither justice nor accountability, and its remnants continue to operate with the same leaders in the same premises.
Voices from the media
Sources
This article was rewritten from local-language sources. Every statement about the mood is based on the linked reports.