Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Argentina, First Papal Visit in 39 Years

[Financial News] Pope Leo XIV, who is on a tour of South America, arrived in Argentina on the 8th (local time). The last time a pope visited Argentina was 39 years ago, when Pope John Paul II visited in 1987.
According to foreign media outlets including France 24, Leo XIV arrived by plane on the 8th at Jorge Newbery domestic airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after completing his visit to Uruguay. Argentine President Javier Milei welcomed the pope at the airport. The pope then headed to visit the monument to the independence fighters in Plaza San Martín and attend an official welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada. During his visit to Argentina, which runs through the 11th, Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Córdoba Province and Luján in addition to the capital, Buenos Aires.
On the morning of the 9th, Leo XIV will visit a facility for people with disabilities, celebrate a large Mass in front of the Monument to the Spaniards in Buenos Aires, and then meet with labor representatives and religious leaders. On the 10th, he will celebrate Mass in Córdoba Province and hold a prayer service with young people. On the 11th, he will visit a federal prison and then celebrate Mass in front of Luján Cathedral, a sacred site for Argentine Catholics.
Argentina, where at least 60% of the population is Catholic, is also the birthplace of Pope Francis, who became pope in 2013. Pope Francis did not visit his birthplace during his papacy. This was likely a decision made with political considerations in mind.


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