A Historic Journey of Peace and Hope
The Vatican has officially confirmed the apostolic tour of Pope Leo XIV through South America, scheduled from November 6 to 17, 2026. The Argentine leg will take place from November 8 to 11, covering Buenos Aires, Luján, and Córdoba. The visit responds to a formal invitation delivered by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno on behalf of President Javier Milei in February 2026. Milei, a libertarian economist who took office in December 2023, has emphasized a new era of international openness.
Buenos Aires and Luján
The Pontiff will arrive at Ezeiza International Airport on Sunday November 8. On Monday November 9, an official meeting between heads of state will take place at the seat of the Executive Power (Casa Rosada). On the ecclesiastical side, a central Mass is planned on Avenida del Libertador, near the Monument to the Spaniards, and a key visit to the Basilica of Luján – Argentina’s most important Marian shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of Luján, the country’s patron saint.
The national government has assured that "the Argentine Republic is ready to give the Holy Father the most cordial welcome," renewing the commitment to make the visit a moment of joy for all Argentines.
Córdoba: The Heart of the Country
Córdoba was chosen as the venue for one of the days due to its strategic central location, making it easier for faithful from all over the interior to attend. This will be the first papal visit to the province in almost 40 years, since Pope John Paul II in 1987.
The agenda in Córdoba includes three key events, without the Pope staying overnight in the province:
- Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA): A massive Mass expected to draw over half a million people at the state-owned aircraft factory.
- Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium: A large gathering where the figure of Saint Cura Brochero will be evoked. Brochero, a 19th-century Argentine priest canonized in 2016, is a beloved figure in the region; time constraints prevent a trip to Traslasierra, his birthplace.
- Córdoba Convention Center: A closed-door meeting with the bishops of the Argentine Episcopal Conference.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
The current Pontiff was born in Chicago, United States, and holds Peruvian nationality, making him the first pope born on U.S. soil. His pastoral message focuses on peace and dialogue in a complex global context. After Argentina, he will continue his tour to Peru (November 11 to 17), visiting Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa, having started the journey in Uruguay (November 6 to 8).