Pope traveling: Leo XIV landed in Argentina for a visit
First papal visit to the country in almost four decades
Quick Look
- Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina for a three-day visit and was welcomed in Buenos Aires by President Javier Milei.
- He previously celebrated a mass in Uruguay with around 50,000 participants.
- The last papal visit to Argentina took place in 1987.
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Why It Matters
The last visit of a pope to Argentina was almost four decades ago: the Polish Pope John Paul II traveled there in 1987. Francis never returned to his homeland as pontiff. It is assumed that he feared that he would be drawn into politics there.
Buenos Aires. Pope Leo XIV has arrived for a three-day visit to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Francis, who died last year. In the capital Buenos Aires, the head of the Catholic Church was welcomed by President Javier Milei in the evening. Leo had previously celebrated a large trade fair with around 50,000 participants in Uruguay, the first stop on his twelve-day trip to South America.
The last visit by a pope to Argentina, a country of 46 million inhabitants, was almost four decades ago: the Polish Pope John Paul II traveled there in 1987. Francis never returned to his homeland as pontiff. It is assumed that he feared that he would be drawn into politics there. Argentina is now ruled by the right-wing populist head of state Milei. The number of people who profess the Catholic faith has decreased significantly.
Open Questions
- What specific dates are scheduled during the three-day visit to Argentina?
- Will Pope Leo XIV also meet political representatives?
- What message will he send to the believers in Argentina?
