19/06/2026 06:26 - Internacionales
Papa León XIV en el Vaticano con banderas de Perú y Argentina
The news has created an immense stir across South America: Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru during the first half of November 2026. The announcement, made by Peruvian President José María Balcázar following a private audience of nearly two hours at the Vatican, has ignited hopes in Argentina, where diplomatic efforts are advancing steadily to materialize what would be a historic visit.
According to President Balcázar, the pontiff's stay on Peruvian soil would last between eight and ten days, with an itinerary including key cities such as Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Cusco, and Pucallpa. This extensive itinerary aims to strengthen ties with the region's Catholic community. The official confirmation was delivered on June 18, 2026, as reported by the Peruvian head of state.
From Buenos Aires, signals are encouraging. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno personally delivered an invitation letter signed by President Javier Milei in February 2026. Government sources estimate a 70% probability that the trip will include a stop in Argentina before year's end.
One of the most significant details emerging is the logistics being planned if the visit materializes. Representatives from the Argentine Episcopal Conference have reportedly initiated contacts with authorities from River Plate Athletic Club—one of Argentina's most prestigious football institutions—to evaluate the possibility of organizing a massive gathering at the Monumental Stadium. This venue, with its impressive capacity exceeding 83,000 spectators, emerges as the ideal location to welcome thousands of faithful believers.
Estadio Monumental (River Plate's home stadium) – Buenos Aires
Capacity: ~83,000
Argentina's largest stadium, historically used for major events including papal masses during John Paul II's visit.
If realized, this would mark the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades, representing a significant milestone in the country's ecclesiastical history. This situation presents a striking contrast with the papacy of Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis), who during his twelve years as pontiff never returned to his native country—an absence that deeply resonated with Argentine Catholics.
Pope Francis (Jorge Bergoglio) was the first Latin American pope in history, serving from 2013 until his passing in 2025. Born in Buenos Aires, he served as Archbishop before his election to the papacy. Despite being Argentine, he never visited his homeland during his pontificate—a fact attributed to various factors including political tensions and pastoral priorities. Pope Leo XIV, his successor, now appears ready to break this decades-long absence of papal visits to Argentina.
Pope Leo XIV himself had fueled speculation by publicly expressing his desire to travel, stating: "Argentina also pending, going to Peru, of course." This statement has been interpreted as an encouraging signal for Argentine hopes.
While optimism prevails at Casa Rosada (Argentina's presidential palace), the Argentine Church clarifies that they have not yet received official communication from the Vatican—an essential protocolary step for the definitive confirmation of the agenda.
South America remains one of the world's most Catholic regions, with approximately 40% of the global Catholic population residing on the continent. A papal tour covering both Peru and Argentina would represent an enormous pastoral significance, reaching millions of faithful across diverse communities—from the highlands of Cusco to the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.
The region now waits in anticipation for official news that could place Argentina on the Latin American itinerary of the new pontiff, potentially closing a chapter of absence and opening a new era of renewed spiritual connection.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
