Pope Leo has been declared fit to travel to South America next month, as confirmed by his doctors.

The Vatican indicated on Monday that his recovery from lung cancer surgery on 13 October was on track, and that the trip, which runs from November 6 to 17, will go ahead as planned.

The pontiff is due to visit Uruguay , Argentina and Peru .

"The Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," the Vatican said in a statement, citing Leo's personal physician Luigi Carbone.

"Based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey," the statement added.

Pope Leo is set to travel to South America next month (AP)

The pope’s South America tour is expected to be one of the most intense foreign trips taken by a Catholic leader in decades.…