Leo XIV's agenda in South America: what the pope will do on his visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru

Pope Leo XIV will embark on a high-profile tour of South America this November, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru over a span of 12 days. The Vatican confirmed the itinerary on Wednesday, marking the first time a pope has visited these three countries in nearly four decades. The trip, which includes visits to ten cities, begins on November 6 and concludes on November 17. The journey will take the pontiff across the Atlantic Ocean and through some of the continent’s most historically and culturally rich regions. The papal visit to Uruguay will last from November 6 to 8. During this time, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida. Upon arrival, he will meet with President Yamandú Orsi. On Saturday, November 7, he will attend a Mass in Paysandú, a city located near the border with Argentina. A highlight of his stay in Uruguay will be a visit to the iconic Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, where he is expected to meet with local faithful. He will also visit a disadvantaged neighborhood in the capital before concluding his visit in Florida, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Thirty-Three, Uruguay’s patron saint. From Uruguay, the pope will cross the River Plate into Argentina, arriving there on November 8. His schedule in Argentina runs until November 11, during which he will visit Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. In Buenos Aires, he will meet with President Javier Milei. The visit to Luján will include a stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, Argentina’s patron saint. Argentine officials have stated they will coordinate with the Vatican on logistics, security, protocol, transportation, and overall organization for the visit. The government plans to issue a decree declaring the papal visit “of national interest.” This marks the first time since 1987 that a pope has visited Argentina, and the first such visit for Pope Leo XIV, who previously did not return to his native country during his papacy. The final leg of the trip will take place in Peru, where the pope will remain from November 12 to 17. This portion of the journey will see him visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. The trip represents the longest segment of the tour and is notable because it will be the first papal visit to Peru since 2018. Pope Leo XIV, who obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015, will make history by becoming the first pope to visit the country in person. His presence in Peru is particularly symbolic given his early life as a missionary in the region, where he later became the emeritus Archbishop of Chiclayo. The tour comes amid growing anticipation among Catholic communities across South America, many of whom have not seen a pope in decades. Uruguay, known as the most secular nation in Latin America, has not hosted a pontiff since 1987, while Argentina and Peru similarly await the visit of a leader of the Catholic Church. The trip underscores the significance of the papacy in shaping religious and political discourse throughout the region. The Vatican has been preparing for the visit for months, working closely with governments and church authorities in each country to ensure the smooth execution of the itinerary. Security arrangements, public access, and ceremonial protocols are all being finalized ahead of the pope’s arrival. Local bishops and clergy have expressed excitement about welcoming the pontiff, emphasizing the spiritual importance of the occasion. As the date approaches, preparations continue across the three nations. Officials in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru are ensuring that infrastructure, accommodations, and public services are ready to accommodate the large crowds expected during the papal visits. The journey promises to be a momentous event for millions of Catholics in South America, offering both a spiritual renewal and a rare opportunity to witness the head of the Catholic Church firsthand.