The countdown to Pope Leo XIV's historic first visit to Argentina has officially begun. A Vatican delegation touched down at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery on Sunday, August 30, 2026, arriving from Peru on Latam flight LA 2369. The team, which will stay for three days, is tasked with coordinating the logistics for a papal tour that promises to draw massive crowds across the country.
Who's on the Advance Team?
Leading the mission is Mexican priest José Nahúm Jairo Salas Castañeda, the Vatican's papal travel coordinator, appointed in June 2025. This is the second advance mission; the first took place in June 2026. The delegation is staying at the Hotel Emperador on Avenida del Libertador 420, under heavy security, including explosive detection sweeps by the GEDEX unit of the Argentine Federal Police.
The Pope's Agenda: Three Masses, a Vigil, and Meetings with Society
The papal visit is scheduled for November 8-11, 2026. On Monday, November 9, the Pope will be in Buenos Aires; Tuesday, November 10, in Córdoba; and Wednesday, November 11, in Luján. The operational base will be the Apostolic Nunciature in Buenos Aires. According to the president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Marcelo Colombo, the agenda is 'ambitious' and includes:
- Three massive public Masses: in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján.
- A vigil and a moment of prayer.
- Meetings with political leaders and representatives of other religions.
- A possible visit to a prison (Devoto prison has been mentioned) and a home for people with disabilities (Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole).
- An encounter with young people and with bishops and seminarians in Córdoba.
Venues Under Consideration for Mass Gatherings
The organizers have already identified the main venues. In Buenos Aires, the central Mass would take place at the Monumento de los Españoles in Palermo. In Córdoba, the chosen site is the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (Fadea). But the most anticipated event will be at the Basilica of Luján, where an estimated 3 to 4 million people could gather, potentially making it one of the largest Masses in history.
Other options were ruled out: River Plate and San Lorenzo stadiums due to capacity limits, and Tecnópolis, proposed by Karina Milei, due to its maximum capacity of 200,000 people, insufficient for the expected turnout. No events are planned on the 9 de Julio avenue. A conference at the Universidad Católica, organized by the Archdiocese, has been confirmed.
Organization and Costs
The delegation will meet with the Argentine Church, the Nunciature, the Casa Rosada (presidential palace), the Foreign Ministry, and officials from Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires Province, and Córdoba. Earlier in the week, Karina Milei and Security Secretary Monteoliva met with the chiefs of staff of the three jurisdictions: Carlos Bianco (Buenos Aires), Manuel Blanco (Córdoba), and Gabriel Sánchez Zinny (Buenos Aires City).
The organization has sparked some tensions: there is criticism over the possible delegation of logistics to a Karina Milei assistant, Florencia, who lacks experience in large-scale events. The operation is estimated to cost between 15 and 20 million US dollars and will require about 80 giant screens and the country's entire stock of sound equipment.
Luján: The City That Will Host the Pope
According to the 2022 Census, Luján has 111,251 inhabitants. Only 54.2% have access to running water via the public network, and 32.4% to sewage services. 2.6% of the population is foreign-born, with Italy being the fourth most common nationality. The city receives about 10 million visitors a year, making it the country's leading religious tourism destination. During winter holidays, average hotel occupancy reaches 70%.
Pope Leo XIV's visit promises to be a milestone for Argentina, with a turnout that could break all records. The advance team is working against the clock to ensure everything is ready by November 8.