Pope Leo XIV has told reporters travelling with him to Latin America he is "in pretty good health", in his first comments on his condition since having surgery for lung cancer.

The Pope has arrived in Uruguay, the first stop of a 12-day tour which he is undertaking only three weeks after his operation.

The pontiff, 71, also said he was "very happy" to be able to make the trip which was thrown into doubt last month when doctors discovered a tumour during a routine scan.

The tour will cover Argentina and a much anticipated return to Peru, which the Vatican described as a "homecoming" as the Pope was based there for many years as a missionary, then a bishop.

"I must confess that, from the very first day, I never had any doubts; I was convinced that this journey had to go forward," the Pope told journalists on his plane to Uruguay.

"Thanks to the marvellous medical staff... I believe I am in quite good health," Pope Leo confirmed.

Last month's operation to remove a tumour was successful and his doctors say the cancer has not spread.

On Friday, he arrived in Monetevideo to a seafront lined with crowds shouting his name as his Popemobile passed.

In his first speech of the trip, the Pope said universal healthcare should be "accessible to everyone".

He told the crowd in Plaza Independencia the care he received made him think of the "many men and women who lack the means to obtain a timely diagnosis" or receive treatment.

He capped his day with a prayer at the Montevideo Cathedral.

Pope Leo will cover more than 20,000 miles on his sixth international tour.

On Sunday he will travel to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Pope Francis who did not return during his own papacy.

The Pope said his visit was about being near the people who were looking to the Church for a message of "hope".

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Pope in &#8216;pretty good health&#8217; as he starts Latin America tour

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