In Latin America, expectations are growing for a potential apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV, which, according to information from church and diplomatic circles, could take place in the first half of November 2026. Although the Holy See has not yet released an official itinerary, preparations for the trip are already being actively discussed in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
According to Argentine and international media reports, the upcoming tour could cover three South American countries. The Pope’s stay in Peru is likely to be the longest, while the visit to Argentina could last about three days, and the visit to Uruguay approximately a day and a half. At the same time, the final route and dates remain subject to agreement between the Holy See and local Churches.
This journey is of particular significance for Argentina. If the visit is officially confirmed, it will be Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to the country as Head of the Catholic Church and the first papal visit to Argentina since the historic journey of Saint John Paul II in 1987. Symbolically, Pope Francis’s homeland never received his official visit during his entire pontificate.
According to Argentine Military Bishop Santiago Olivera, who recently had a brief meeting with the Pontiff in the Vatican, the route of the upcoming trip is already being actively discussed. According to preliminary data, potential program stops include Buenos Aires, the National Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, and Santiago del Estero — the spiritual heart of the country and the see of the Primate of Argentina. At the same time, church authorities emphasize that the final decision will be made exclusively by the Holy See.
The visit to Peru is expected to be no less symbolic. Prior to his election as Pope, Robert Francis Prevost served for over two decades as an Augustinian missionary in the country, was Bishop of Chiclayo, and acquired Peruvian citizenship. For this reason, Peru is considered a country with which the Pontiff shares particularly deep spiritual and personal ties.
The President of Peru, after a personal meeting with Leo XIV in the Vatican, announced that the Pontiff plans to visit the country in the first half of November. According to preliminary information, the program could cover Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Pucallpa, and Cusco, though these cities have not yet been officially confirmed.
A high probability of the papal visit is also confirmed in Uruguay. The country’s Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that preparations for the potential journey are progressing successfully, although final dates are not yet available.
Analysts note that Leo XIV is one of the pontiffs who best understand the realities of Latin America. His many years of service in Peru allowed him to deeply understand the culture, spirituality, and social challenges of the region. This is why the upcoming tour is viewed not only as a diplomatic or pastoral visit, but also as a sign of the Holy See’s special attention to the countries of the continent.
Despite numerous reports and the high level of preparation, the Vatican has not yet published an official itinerary for the trip. The final route, list of cities, and exact dates will be announced only after a corresponding announcement from the Holy See.
If confirmed, the trip will become one of the most important religious events of 2026 in Latin America, uniting millions of believers and opening a new chapter in the relations of Pope Leo XIV with the countries of the region.
Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: from open sources