Pope Leo XIV called for universal access to healthcare and social equality during a speech in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Friday. Speaking to political and civic leaders, the Pope cited his recent recovery from lung cancer surgery as a reason for his remarks on medical equity. The address marked the beginning of a 12-day tour of Latin America, which includes scheduled stops in Argentina and Peru.
The Pope recently underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung and was released four days after the procedure. His doctors stated he required no further treatment and cleared him for the 19,000-mile journey. Although a medical team is traveling with him as per Vatican custom, a spokesman described the 71-year-old pontiff as being in good health.
During his address, Leo XIV stated that societies have a duty to ensure healthcare is accessible regardless of an individual's financial resources. He also spoke regarding the dignity of children and the unborn, noting that Uruguay legalized abortion in 2012. Additionally, he commented on the role of technology, asserting that artificial intelligence should serve human needs rather than replace workers in the labor market.
The focus on economic inequality and labor impacts Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, where the Pope will deliver a total of 36 speeches. The Pope’s stance on the unborn also re-engages a dialogue in Uruguay, where abortion has been legal for over a decade.
The trip serves as a test of the Pope’s physical stamina following his surgery, involving 14 flights and approximately 50 events over 12 days. The outcome of his meetings, including planned sessions with survivors of clerical sex abuse, could set a precedent for how the Vatican handles internal accountability and social justice issues during the remainder of his pontificate. Leo XIV will remain in Uruguay until Sunday, after which he is scheduled to travel to Argentina and Peru to address issues including the environment, arms tracking, and political instability.