Pope Leo XIV’s Remarkable Journey to Latin America

Pope Leo XIV will soon return to the continent he knows well, where he spent two decades as a missionary priest. From November 6 to 17, he will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and his second homeland, Peru. This trip marks the longest of his papacy. Just weeks prior, Leo had surgery to remove a tumor from his right lung, but doctors have cleared the journey.

Latin America is home to around 40% of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. However, the Catholic population has declined in recent years, especially in the countries Leo will visit.

Uruguay: November 6-8

Leo will start his journey in Uruguay. Known for its secular identity, Uruguay celebrates ‘Family Day’ instead of Christmas and ‘Tourism Week’ instead of Holy Week. Despite 77% of the population being baptized Catholics, many identify as religiously unaffiliated.

The Pope plans to visit Casavalle, a neighborhood in Montevideo, plagued by drug trafficking and violence. The church there works with authorities on community support, like housing and addiction recovery. In Paysandú, Leo will celebrate Mass, chosen for its accessibility from the north of Río Negro and the nearby Argentine city of Colón.

In Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia, Leo will attend a welcome ceremony. The plaza features a monument to José Gervasio Artigas, an independence hero. On November 8, Leo will commemorate the feast of the Virgin of the Thirty-three, the patron of Uruguay, a symbol of heritage and faith.

Argentina: November 8-11

Pontiff Leo’s visit to Argentina comes with historical and political significance. Former Pope Francis’ polarizing legacy as archbishop and pope cast its shadow. Still, Leo will honor his predecessor in Buenos Aires.

In meetings with President Javier Milei, Leo may address economic concerns, spurred by Milei’s austerity policies. This includes spending cuts criticized for affecting those in need. At the Don Orione care home, Leo will witness firsthand the effects of these cuts.

Economic discussions will continue at the Argentine Catholic University, where leaders plan to discuss issues like unemployment and poverty with Leo. With poverty at 32.3% of the population, these issues are pressing.

Leo and Milei might also discuss artificial intelligence, with their differing views on regulation and impact.

Leo’s first Mass in Argentina will be at the Monumento de los Españoles. Despite a decline in Catholic affiliation, record crowds recently participated in a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Luján, showing enduring faith.

Peru: November 11-16

The highlight of the visit will be Leo’s return to Peru, particularly his former diocese of Chiclayo. Leo’s two decades in Peru shaped his pastoral approach.

In speeches in Lima, Leo will address challenges such as climate instability, crime, poverty, and social inequality. In 2025, nearly 26% of Peruvians lived in monetary poverty.

Under President Keiko Fujimori, who pledged to restore order, the nation faces issues like illegal mining and coca cultivation, impacting Indigenous communities. In Cusco and Pucallpa, Leo will honor these communities and celebrate Mass.

Despite Catholicism’s decline in Peru, large crowds are expected to greet Leo. Pew data shows a drop from 76% in 2013-2014 to 67% more recently, yet faith remains strong. Leo’s journey emphasizes the lasting connection between faith and culture in Latin America.