What You Need to Know
• Pope Leo XIV will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2023.
• The trip includes stops in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Lima, among other cities.
• Pope Leo XIV has strong ties to Peru, where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023.
Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first trip to Latin America as pontiff from November 6 to 17, 2023, with planned visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, as announced by the Vatican. The itinerary includes stops in cities such as Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida in Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján in Argentina; and Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa in Peru. This visit is particularly meaningful due to Pope Leo XIV’s deep connections to Peru, where he served as a missionary and church leader for decades, including his role as bishop of Chiclayo until 2023. His return to Chiclayo is anticipated to be a highlight of the trip, which will also mark a significant moment for Argentina, the home country of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Why It Matters
Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Latin America is significant as it highlights his longstanding relationship with the region, particularly Peru, where he has deep roots. This trip follows his earlier visit to France from September 25 to 28, 2023, indicating an increasingly active travel schedule early in his papacy. The visit to Argentina is noteworthy as Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, did not return to his home country during his 12-year tenure. The Vatican has yet to release a detailed itinerary, but the trip underscores the importance of Latin America in the Catholic Church’s global outreach.
Read the Full Story →