Pope Leo XIV Onboard the Papal Plane Addresses 82 Journalists and Introduces New Prefect Montse Alvarado - VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV Onboard the papal plane to Uruguay

On the plane to Uruguay aboard an ITA Airways flight, Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy at embarking on his sixth Apostolic Journey—a 12-day, 30,000-kilometer itinerary spanning 14 locations across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The trip features over 50 engagements and roughly 40 speeches, with travel by car, plane, and helicopter.

Following recent lung surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, doubts had surfaced regarding whether the trip would proceed. However, the Pope shared that he “was convinced that this trip had to go forward.”

Pope Leo XIV addressed the 82 journalists accompanying him—including ten from the host nations—about the mission ahead. He defined his role as the “mission of the Bishop of Rome, of the Pope,” centered on “sharing the joy of the Gospel,” “announcing the Good News,” and “walking together with people, expressing that closeness which is so important for people, whether it be in their moments of joy or in their moments of sorrow.”

Greeting the Press & Health Updates

Roughly 90 minutes after departing Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the Pope greeted the press corps with a warm smile.

He opened in three languages—“Buongiorno a tutti, buenos dias, good morning, everyone”—and expressed gratitude “for your service, for the work that you do,” emphasizing its role in sharing “God’s message of peace and goodwill for all people.”

Acknowledging the prior uncertainty surrounding his health, he noted: “I know some people were doubtful about this trip taking place.” Giving thanks to God and his medical team, he confirmed he was in “fairly good shape,” adding, “So, you’re the witnesses of that. And I’m happy that you’re joining us.”

During the flight, he fielded several questions about his recovery:

• On praying at Lourdes: Asked if he had prayed about his illness during a prior visit to France, he explained, “At that point there was no sign of any problems. Surprisingly, in all the essential respects, everything was fine. I was much more concerned about the health of the people who were there.”

• On post-surgery priorities: He highlighted “A sense of commitment to continuing to be close to those who are ill, but I would also like to tell people that health care should be a right for everyone.”

• A message for cancer patients: “Do not be afraid. Early diagnosis is the best approach, so regular checkups are a blessing.”

• On his hospital stay & hobbies: He spent his time at Gemelli reading “the breviary, the prayer book, and the newspapers.” As for returning to tennis, he noted, “Not yet, but I will.”

• On his source of strength: “In faith. The Lord is very generous to me.” He also credited “good doctors and a healthy lifestyle.”

Key Introductions & Itinerary Highlights

Pope Leo also introduced Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, as someone “that many of you already know.” Having joined the Holy See team on November 1 to succeed Paolo Ruffini after the completion of his term, Alvarado was praised for her “wonderful experience,” “creativity,” and “life and liveliness.” The Pope noted she will assist “in the very important dimension of communication.”

Before walking down the aisle to greet reporters individually, the Pope reflected on the main purpose of his journey: bringing “the message of hope in today’s world” to three nations that each possess “a very particular history,” along with “many things in common” and “many differences.”

• Peru: The longest leg of the tour marks a return to where he served as a missionary for over 20 years, including as Bishop of Chiclayo. Calling Peru “one of my many homes,” he remarked, “I’m very happy to be going back there.”

• Argentina: He framed the visit as “a tribute” to Pope Francis, “in the sense that I am visiting his country, which he was unable to visit,” while reaffirming the importance of the nation itself.

• Speaking Spanish: Asked if he felt more comfortable speaking Spanish, he smiled: “Wait and see. Some people say there are significant differences.”

Media Interactivity & Global Issues

Pope Leo accepted various gifts from journalists, including books, letters, a traditional Andean hat from Chulucanas, and a Chicago White Sox baseball. As he signed the baseball, he teased the reporter: “Careful, I’ve ruined other cassocks that way.”

In response to queries from U.S. correspondents regarding his mail-in ballot for the midterm elections, the Pope affirmed: “I have already made a statement about this. I am proud to be American and to exercise the right to vote.” He added that while he couldn't vote remotely in Peru (where he holds dual citizenship), he would have done so if possible, calling participation “a good thing.”

On international affairs, he addressed the truce in Oleshky, Ukraine: “Thank God for what has been achieved, but there is still much work to be done to achieve peace.”

Finally, Spanish correspondent Eva Fernández presented him with a symbolic plaque for an aircraft to take him to the Camino de Santiago during the 2027 Holy Year. Having previously traveled the route by car before his election, Pope Leo reflected on a potential papal return by air: “I would like to. What you want to do is one thing; what you can do is another.”