Pope Leo XIV to visit Argentina for first papal trip in 39 years

Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Argentina on Sunday, November 8, for a four-day visit, marking the first time a pope has visited the country in 39 years. The last pontiff to travel there was John Paul II, who made a second visit in April 1987.

President Javier Milei will welcome the pope at Aeroparque and then hold a private audience with him at the Casa Rosada. Later that day, both leaders will attend an event at the Palacio Libertad with representatives of the three branches of government, governors, legislators and ambassadors.

“The private audience at the Casa Rosada will give Milei an opportunity to present his government and its economic program directly to the pontiff.”

The government invited opposition figures to the Sunday reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Palacio Libertad. Former presidents were excluded from the guest list, but the mayor of Buenos Aires City and all 23 governors were invited.

Vice President Victoria Villarruel is also on the guest list, along with opposition governors who hope to raise their concerns directly with the pope. Protocol does not guarantee one-to-one conversations during the gathering.

On Monday, Milei will attend the mass that the pope will celebrate at the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo. The Vatican described this as the main of three masses the pontiff will hold during his stay in Argentina.

Former PRO leader Mauricio Macri was initially expected to attend that event after an invitation from his cousin, Buenos Aires City Chief of Government Jorge Macri, but ultimately decided not to go.

The Casa Rosada and the Vatican spent months coordinating security, transportation, access, volunteers and the participation of political authorities across Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Lujan.