Pope Léon XIV is set to commence an 11-day apostolic journey to South America on Friday, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The Pope, who was naturalized as a Peruvian citizen in 2015, has expressed his eagerness to return to the continent where he has spent a significant part of his life. During his trip, he will preside over more than 50 events, including eucharistic celebrations and meetings with indigenous peoples, victims of abuse, and vulnerable populations.
The Pope's first stop will be Uruguay, considered one of the most secular countries in Latin America. He will be welcomed by President Yamandú Orsi and is expected to advocate for the protection of life and the environment. Uruguay has been at odds with the Catholic Church on issues such as same-sex marriage, abortion, and euthanasia, which was legalized in 2025. The Pope's visit aims to promote dialogue and understanding between the Church and the Uruguayan government.
From Uruguay, the Pope will travel to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Léon XIV will attend a ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, a site closely tied to Pope Francis' past. He will also meet with President Javier Milei, a libertarian figure whose relations with Pope Francis were strained. The Pope is expected to express concerns about the social costs of Argentina's austerity measures, which have had a significant impact on vulnerable populations.
The Pope's final destination will be Peru, where he will celebrate a mass in a desert plain near the Pacific Ocean and visit Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. In Lima, he will meet with President Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted of corruption and human rights abuses. The Pope will also address the country's main challenges, including rising insecurity, extortion, and cocaine trafficking.
Despite his recent convalescence, the Pope's medical team has confirmed that there are no obstacles to his travel. During his trip, he will undertake 12 flights, two helicopter rides, and travel over 30,000 kilometers. The Pope's visit is seen as a significant event for the region, which has not hosted a papal visit in several decades.
The Pope's trip is also an opportunity for him to connect with the local populations and promote his message of hope and unity. In Peru, he will visit the Amazonian region, where he will meet with indigenous communities and address the challenges facing the region. The Pope's visit is expected to have a significant impact on the region and promote greater understanding between the Church and the local populations.
As the Pope concludes his 11-day journey, he will reflect on the experiences and encounters he has had in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. His visit is seen as a testament to his commitment to engaging with diverse communities and promoting dialogue and understanding. The Pope's message of hope and unity is expected to resonate with the people of South America and inspire greater collaboration and cooperation.
Key points
- The Pope's visit to South America aims to promote dialogue and understanding between the Church and local populations.
- The Pope will preside over more than 50 events during his 11-day trip, including eucharistic celebrations and meetings with vulnerable populations.
- The Pope's visit to Argentina is seen as a significant event, given his predecessor's heritage and the country's current challenges.
