Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

"The Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations ​attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," the Vatican said in a statement, citing Leo's ​personal physician Luigi Carbone.

"Based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey," the statement said. Read More:Pope shows steady improvement.

Pope returning to familiar region. Leo's South America tour is set to be one of the most intense foreign trips taken ​by a Catholic leader in decades. The pope is scheduled to travel some 31,000 km (19,300 miles) over the 10-city ‌tour ⁠and give 36 speeches.

The Vatican said the trip would proceed with no changes to the previously published agenda. Leo had spent decades as a missionary in Peru before his predecessor Francis called him back to Rome in 2023 and promoted him to Vatican positions, so the trip will mark a homecoming ​of sorts for the ​first US pontiff.

"I am ⁠looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life," he said in the Vatican message. "May this journey be ​an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen ​our communion ⁠as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy," Leo said.

In its statement, the Vatican said Leo was "adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritize his recovery ⁠while ​continuing to fulfil the responsibilities of his ministry. "On Sunday, the ​popeaddressed the faithfulin St Peter's Square, but on doctors' advice hecancelled a day visitto the central Italian town of ​Assisi, which had been scheduled for Tuesday.