Pope Leo has called on South America to overcome divisions along the Uruguay-Argentina border, according to Reuters. The appeal came as the pontiff opened a tour of the region, a trip that will test him physically just weeks after surgery for lung cancer.
The Standard reported that the Pope began the South America tour in what was described as "fairly good shape." CNN noted that the itinerary will take him above 11,000 feet in altitude, a significant demand given his recent operation.
Vatican News reported that Argentina is awaiting the Pope's arrival as part of the visit. Exaudi described the pontiff's approach as steady and human, quoting him as saying he has "never had any doubts" as he set out for the continent.
The border message places reconciliation at the center of the opening of the journey. Reuters reports that the Pope framed the call as an appeal to bridge divides, though further details of the remarks were not included in the available reporting.
The trip's physical demands are a focus of coverage. Reaching elevations above 11,000 feet so soon after lung cancer surgery has drawn attention from CNN and other outlets tracking his condition and schedule.
What to watch next: how the Pope holds up across the high-altitude portions of the itinerary, and whether his border appeal draws a response from leaders on both sides of the Uruguay-Argentina frontier.
