Catholics in Peru and Argentina are praying for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery as uncertainty grows over whether his planned November visit to South America can proceed following his lung cancer surgery.
In Lima, worshippers gathered at the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas, home of the beloved devotion to the Lord of Miracles, lighting candles and praying for the 71-year-old Pope.
Outside the church, Peruvian artist Walter Huamán unveiled a striking hyperrealistic life-sized statue of Pope Leo XIV.
For many Peruvians, the Holy Father is much more than a distant Church leader.
Before becoming Pope, Robert Prevost spent decades serving the Church in Peru and was Bishop of Chiclayo for eight years.
Huamán described the Pope as feeling “like a family member,” saying that his planned return to Peru had created enormous excitement.
But after news of his cancer diagnosis, he said one thing matters more than the visit:
The Pope’s health.
Worshippers agreed.
One pilgrim from Cusco said Catholics were anxiously awaiting the Pope’s planned visit and hoped it would not be suspended.
Another said Pope Leo should first rest and recover, confident that he would return to the country he loves when his health allows.
Inside Las Nazarenas, faithful prayed before the image of the Lord of Miracles, asking for the Pope’s recovery.
Similar prayers were offered in Argentina.
At Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, Catholics expressed hope that Pope Leo would recover in time for the scheduled South American journey.
His itinerary currently calls for visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6–17.
However, following the October 13 surgery in which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, questions remain over whether the demanding journey will proceed as planned.
The Vatican has not announced a cancellation.
For Catholics in Peru and Argentina, however, the priority is clear:
First, let Pope Leo recover.
Then, when he is ready, they hope to welcome him home.
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