RMF243 days agoReligion2 min read

He will visit 3 countries in 11 days. Leo XIV set off on a unique journey

The pope will visit three South American countries, including Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Francis, and Peru, where he spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop.

Quick Look

Leo XIV will begin his pilgrimage in Uruguay, the most secularized country in South America, where he will meet President Yamandú Orsí.
Then, from November 8 to 11, he will visit Argentina, Francis' homeland, and the trip will end in Peru, the country where he spent over 20 years as a missionary and bishop and where he holds citizenship.
He will also meet with victims of pedophilia in Argentina and Peru.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Leo XIV will be the first pope since John Paul II to visit Uruguay. John Paul II paid two visits there in 1987 and 1988, referring in his speeches to the secular nature of the state and calling on the local Church to be actively involved in social life. There is a large and well-organized Polish community living in Argentina, whose representatives will probably participate in the celebrations attended by the Pope. Leo XIV spent over 20 years in Peru as a missionary and bishop and holds citizenship of this country.

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The first stage of the papal pilgrimage will be Uruguay, considered the most secularized country in all of South America.

Half of the inhabitants of Uruguay do not identify with any religion or denomination, and the percentage of practicing believers is low. Catholics constitute 45 percent. population, least in South America. Religion there is purely a private matter.

The only pope to visit Uruguay was John Paul II. He paid two visits there: in 1987 and 1988. In his speeches, he referred to the secular nature of this country. He called on the local Church to be actively involved in social life and encouraged residents to rediscover Christian values. It is expected that Leo XIV will also discuss similar topics. The motto of his visit to this country are the words: "I bring you good news of great joy."

After the welcome ceremony at the airport, Leo XIV will deliver a speech at Independence Square to representatives of the authorities and society and meet with the President of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi.

From November 8 to 11, Leo XIV will be in Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Francis. This stage is interpreted as a symbolic end to the 39-year wait of Argentines for the Pope. In 1987, John Paul II was there.

"Welcome everyone. Go and preach" - this is the slogan of the visit to Argentina, where President Javier Milei continues the deep reconstruction of the country in the free market spirit, often bypassing the parliament and ruling by decree.

There is a large and well-organized Polish community living in Argentina. Its representatives will probably participate in ceremonies attended by the Pope.

The last country on the papal pilgrimage route will be Peru. He spent over 20 years there as a missionary and bishop. Moreover, he also has citizenship of this country.

On November 13, the Pope will go to the city of Chiclayo, where he was bishop for 8 years. He will also celebrate mass in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. m above sea level and will go to the former Inca city - Cuzco in the Andes. It will also be in Pucallpa in the Peruvian Amazon.

During the pilgrimage, the Pope will meet with victims of pedophilia. Unofficially, it is known that this will take place in Argentina and Peru.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Leo XIV will discuss topics related to Christian values and the Church's involvement in social life during his visit to Uruguay and Argentina.
Likely · Within days
The Pope will meet with victims of pedophilia in Argentina and Peru.
Likely · Within days

Open Questions

Will the Pope meet with victims of pedophilia in both countries, Argentina and Peru, or only in one of them?
What exactly will Leo XIV cover in his speeches in Uruguay and Argentina?
Will the Pope meet with President Javier Milei during his visit to Argentina?