Pope Leo has begun a lengthy trip to Latin America, travelling to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The pontiff had part of a lung removed last month as part of treatment. The procedure and his recovery have been disclosed by church officials, and the visit represents his first major overseas engagement since that operation.
The itinerary covers three South American countries: Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Officials have described the visit as extensive, with engagements planned across the three nations.
The trip will be closely watched as an indication of the pope's health and capacity to resume a demanding international schedule following recent surgery. Further details on specific events and timings for the visits have been released by the Vatican and the local churches in the host countries.