A Historic Visit for All Argentines
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Argentina from November 8 to 11, 2026, on his first tour of South America.
The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will visit Argentina between November 8 and 11, 2026. This apostolic journey, which also includes stops in Uruguay and Peru, represents a moment of deep joy and hope for the Argentine people, as celebrated by President Javier Milei and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.
A Long-Awaited Visit and a Message of Peace
With this visit, Pope Leo XIV fulfills a wish of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was never able to visit his homeland during his pontificate. The last Pontiff to set foot on Argentine soil was John Paul II in 1987, who left an indelible mark by gathering 400,000 people in Mendoza.
Pope Leo XIV —the first pontiff born in the United States and a naturalized Peruvian— is expected to bring a message centered on peace, social justice, and overcoming political polarization. As journalist Sergio Rubín noted, the Pope comes for all Argentines, and no one should appropriate him, maintaining a line of neutrality and unity.
Itinerary and Cities to Visit
The Pope will visit three key cities: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. Although the detailed agenda will be released by the Holy See in the coming weeks, some major events are anticipated:
- Buenos Aires: A meeting with President Milei at the Casa Rosada is expected, along with a massive event at the Monumento de los Españoles, echoing the historic 1982 visit. A youth gathering at River Plate Stadium and a possible gala at the Teatro Colón are also being considered.
- Córdoba: Will play a leading role. Strong rumors indicate that the main mass could be held at the FAdeA aircraft factory grounds, due to its vast space to accommodate crowds from across the region.
- Luján: The visit will include a moment of deep Marian devotion at the National Basilica.
Security and National Interest Declaration
The national government will issue a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) to declare the visit of national interest. Foreign Minister Quirno confirmed that a unified security command is being coordinated with forces from different jurisdictions to ensure the Pontiff's safety, stating that security is absolutely guaranteed.