Pope Leo XIV to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November

Pope Leo XIV will make his first trip to South America from November 6 to 17, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, the Vatican announced on August 5. The 12-day, 10-city tour includes Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Lima, and marks the first papal visit to Argentina and Uruguay in nearly four decades Source: lavozar. The trip is notable for including Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Francis, who never returned after his election Source: abces.

Itinerary

• Uruguay (Nov 6–8): Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida, where the pope will honor the Virgin of the Thirty-Three Source: elnacionalve.
• Argentina (Nov 8–11): Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján, with a planned meeting with President Javier Milei Source: lavozar.
• Peru (Nov 11–17): Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa, a country where Leo XIV lived for over two decades and holds citizenship Source: elcaribedr.

Significance and Reactions

For Argentina, the visit reopens the wound of Francis's absence. "Me hubiera gustado que viniera Francisco," said one Argentine Source: abces. Archbishop García Cuerva urged avoiding comparisons: "Viene el sucesor de Pedro, no viene el sucesor de Francisco" Source: clarin. In Peru, preparations are underway, with Cusco's governor explaining that the main Mass cannot be held at Sacsayhuamán to protect the archaeological site Source: infobae.

Mexico and France

Separately, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico will not be on this tour but said the pope "tiene muchas ganas de venir a México," with a possible visit in December Source: excelsiormx. Before South America, Leo XIV will visit France from September 25–28, where he will meet privately with abuse victims Source: infobae.