Latin America Prepares for Pope Leo XIV: Peace, Reconciliation, and the Social Dimension of Faith in Focus

Latin America is preparing for Pope Leo XIV’s November visit, with emphasis on peace, justice, and the social dimensions of faith. Catholic communities in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru have intensified their preparations, focusing not only on logistical arrangements but also on spiritual readiness. In Argentina, a special collection has been announced to support the organization of the papal visit, according to reports from Kathpress. Cardinal Vinko Bokalič Iglič, Archbishop of Santiago del Estero, expects the pope to highlight the social aspects of faith, peace, justice, and care for the poorest. The papal journey through Latin America will take place from November 6 to 17, visiting three countries. The itinerary begins in Uruguay, where the pope will visit Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florido. He will then travel to Argentina, stopping in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. The final leg of the trip will be in Peru, with stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Following the announcement of the schedule, bishops in all three countries have called on believers to prepare spiritually rather than merely logistically for the arrival of the Holy Father. In Uruguay, the bishops have described the visit as one of the most anticipated events for both the Church and the country. They have referred to it as a “gift of providence,” emphasizing that Pope Leo XIV comes as a shepherd to strengthen faith and bring messages of peace and hope. The preparation process has entrusted to the Order of the Trinity, the patron saint of Uruguay. In Argentina, the bishops' conference has initiated a special spiritual preparation. Every Tuesday at 9 PM, they host a half-hour online prayer session, led by one of the bishops, which can be viewed via their YouTube channel. The first session was conducted by Bishop Ramón Dus. To cover the costs of preparations, a special collection will take place throughout the country on August 22 and 23. The bishops invite believers to offer the best of themselves to the Pope and to use his visit to reinforce brotherhood, cultural encounters, and shared paths of the Argentine nation. Cardinal Bokalič expressed great joy over the announcement of the visit, noting that many simple Argentinians love the Pope, and his arrival has caused widespread happiness. He anticipates that the message of Pope Leo XIV will strongly focus on the social dimensions of faith. He believes the Pope well understands the social challenges of Latin America and, like his predecessor Francis, emphasizes that faith must be visible in concrete actions. According to Bokalič, this includes calling attention to injustices, poverty, violations of human rights, and economic policies that fail to enable equal development for all. A key role is expected for laypeople, as the Archbishop expects the Pope to emphasize the responsibility of Christians in society. Laypeople, he says, are crucial in Christian efforts in social, economic, and media spheres, as well as in helping those marginalized at the edges of society who lack a dignified life. Bokalič also recalled the importance of the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, which Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly emphasized its relevance, especially the central role of proclamation or fundamental announcement of the Gospel. According to him, the Church must return to the essence of Christian proclamation even in today's circumstances. One of the central themes of Pope Leo XIV's papacy, as noted by Cardinal Bokalič, has been peace since the beginning. For Leo XIV, the word "peace" appears with a strong emphasis as a cry of humanity.