Papa Leone XIV in visita in Argentina, Perù e Uruguay a novembre

Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first official visit to Latin America, traveling to Peru, Argentina and Uruguay from November 6 to 17. The trip marks a significant milestone in his papacy, bringing him back to the region where he spent much of his early career. This journey will include stops in major cities across all three nations, highlighting both personal and historical significance. The itinerary begins in Uruguay, where the pope will visit Montevideo, Paysandu and Florida from November 6 to 8. In Argentina, he will spend three days visiting Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Lujan before concluding his stay in Peru, which will last six days and include visits to Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. Details of the exact schedule have yet to be fully disclosed, though further information is expected as the date approaches. For Pope Leo, the visit to Peru holds particular meaning. Born in Chicago, he first arrived in the country in 1985 at the age of 30. Over the subsequent three decades, he alternated between missions in the United States and Peru. In 2014, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru. That same year, he became a Peruvian citizen and served the diocese until 2023. His return to Chiclayo is anticipated to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the entire trip. The pope's visit to Argentina is also notable. Although his predecessor, Pope Francis, was born in Argentina, he never returned to his homeland during his 12-year tenure as pope. Despite numerous invitations from local leaders, including several presidents, Francis remained based in Rome. Pope Leo, however, will become the first pope to visit Argentina since John Paul II did so in 1987. This visit underscores the growing importance of the nation within the global Catholic community. Uruguay, too, will welcome the pope for the first time in nearly four decades. The visit to Montevideo, Paysandu and Florida represents a long-awaited opportunity for the country to reconnect with the papacy. While the specific activities planned for each location remain under review, the presence of the pope is expected to draw large crowds and generate considerable public interest. The trip comes amid broader changes in the religious landscape of Latin America. According to data from the Pew Research Center, 39 percent of the world’s Catholics reside in the region, compared to 24 percent in Europe. However, the Catholic Church faces challenges as the percentage of people identifying as Catholic in Latin America has dropped from around 80 percent in 1995 to 54 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, evangelical Christian communities have gained traction, reflecting shifting spiritual preferences among the population. Since becoming pope, Leo has prioritized extensive international travel. Before heading to South America, he is scheduled to visit France from September 25 to 28, marking his first trip to the country in his role as pope. Earlier this year, he also visited four African nations and Spain. These travels reflect his commitment to engaging directly with diverse communities and reinforcing the Church’s global presence. The upcoming visit to Latin America is expected to reinforce the Church’s connection with the region while addressing contemporary issues such as migration and social inclusion. As preparations continue, anticipation grows for the pope’s engagement with local populations and the potential impact of his presence on both religious and cultural life in the region.