Peru: air-ambulance helicopter and respiratory precautions for Leo XIV

Juan Bytton, secretary general for the apostolic visit at the Archdiocese of Lima, told the Foreign Press Association in Peru (APEP), as reported by AP News and EFE (~Oct 20). The most delicate stop remains Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, in the northern Andes at about 2,000 meters: the Pope will arrive by helicopter in an unpressurized cabin. A ground ambulance with respiratory care is planned as backup.

Slight schedule tweaks are also under review — for example using the elevator at Lima Cathedral instead of the stairs — to limit fatigue. Bytton said there is objectively no official communication of any change to the trip itself, but “we have to have all the conditions for a calm journey.”

Msgr. Guillermo Inca (national visit coordinator, TV Perú / NCR) later said a specialized ambulance will accompany the delegation and that an ambulance helicopter is being considered for Santa Cruz; a Peruvian doctor will stand by alongside the papal physician. Cusco remains on the itinerary.

The continental trip (Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Nov 6-16/17) was reconfirmed by the Holy See Press Office on Oct 26 (B0842): Dr. Luigi Carbone saw no clinical contraindication to flying. Peru’s measures are logistical and preventive, not a new medical bulletin.

Sources: AP News; EFE; Infobae; TV Perú / NCR (Msgr. Inca); Holy See Press Office bulletin B0842 (Oct 26).

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