Pope Leo XIV has called on Argentina to place the common good above private interests. The trip, from November 8 to 11, is the first visit by a pope to the South American country since John Paul II in 1987. In Buenos Aires, the pope was received by President Javier Milei. His program included a visit to the monument to General San Martín, a stay at the government seat Casa Rosada, and a meeting at the Palacio Libertad.
In his addresses, the pope stressed the importance of democratic institutions and political measures that protect particularly vulnerable groups. He expressed concern about the emigration of young people and called for investment in education and research. On November 9, Leo XIV visited the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, an institution caring for people with disabilities. The same day, he celebrated Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles in Buenos Aires.
A particularly sensitive topic was abuse by clergy. The pope met five survivors and pledged them protection and accompaniment. At a meeting at the Catholic University of Argentina, representatives of workers, employers, trade unions and social movements gathered. There he warned that artificial intelligence and automation could threaten jobs and human dignity. At the same time, he supported the demands of popular movements for "land, roof and work."
Further stops took the pope to Córdoba, where on November 10 he celebrated Mass on the grounds of a military flight school. In the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, he spoke with clergy and members of religious orders and called for a renewed Church. At a youth vigil at the Monumento de los Españoles, around one million people took part, according to the organizers. On November 11, the pope visited a federal prison in Buenos Aires and then celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Luján. At the interreligious meeting at the Palacio San Martín, he called for dialogue between religions.
The journey continued on November 11 in Peru, where the pope landed at the Callao air base. Peru is among the countries where Leo XIV spent a large part of his earlier pastoral work. The stay lasts until November 16 and includes Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa, among other places. The first stop in Lima was the Salesian Basilica of María Auxiliadora in the Breña district. Details of the remaining program in Peru are not yet fully available.