The Church in Argentina

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Argentina from November 8 to 11, 2026. This marks the first papal visit to the country in 39 years, following the visits of Saint John Paul II in 1982 and 1987.

The itinerary includes a visit to the province of Córdoba on Tuesday, November 10. The Pope will celebrate Mass at the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones and preside over vespers with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and seminarians at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

In Villa Ángela, a local parish is preparing approximately 250 pilgrims to meet the Pope. The Argentine Episcopal Conference will provide official streaming of the visit via YouTube.

The visit occurs amid allegations of sexual abuse and other crimes involving clergy and lay members in Argentina. Some survivors have expressed opposition to the visit, while others hope to meet the Pope to demand stronger Vatican action and the dismissal of accused clergy.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Luján in Argentina on November 11 during an apostolic journey to Latin America.

Archbishop Jorge Eduardo Scheinig of Mercedes-Luján told Vatican media that the local population is preparing to welcome the Pope. He described Luján as a significant spiritual center for the Argentine people.

In preparation for the visit, a content organization for the papal trip has released five instructional videos. Created alongside Father Carlos Galli, these videos are intended to help the Church and the country understand the spiritual meaning of the upcoming event.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, according to the Holy See Press Office. This 12-day trip is the pope's first international journey following lung surgery in October. Dr. Luigi Carbone reported that recent medical tests show no contraindications for the travel.

The journey begins in Uruguay on November 6 with an arrival in Montevideo, followed by visits to Paysandú and Florida. On November 8, the pope will arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with scheduled visits to Claypole, Córdoba, and Luján.

The final stage begins November 11 in Peru. The itinerary includes Lima, Cusco, Pucallpa, and Chiclayo, as well as a day in the Amazon with missionaries and indigenous peoples. The pope will return to Rome on November 17.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the relationship between faith and culture during a general audience in Saint Peter's Square on October 28, 2026. Continuing a series of catecheses on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Pope focused on the seventh section of the pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes.

The Pope stated that the connection between faith and culture is rooted in the Incarnation. He explained that because the divine Word became flesh, faith is an embodied reality that is interwoven with the culture in which it exists. He noted that faith is called to become culture by reaching people within their daily environments, including their traditions, arts, science, and language.

Pope Leo XIV observed that the Catholic Church has historically supported the Gospel through the establishment of schools and universities, noting that medieval universities emerged from the Church and contributed to Western civilization. He said that the progress of knowledge and culture creates new questions that prompt believers to explain their faith.

The Pope emphasized that the Church promotes culture because it is a good in itself and serves human vocation. He cited the Council's call to overcome illiteracy, ensure access to fundamental cultural opportunities, and expand access to higher education, particularly for women. He also noted that Christians should deepen their scientific and cultural knowledge alongside their faith.