Pope Leo XIV is expected to make his first South American Apostolic Visit November 5-15, 2026, traveling to Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. Pope Leo XIV’s visit is particularly symbolic because he is U.S.-born and Peruvian-naturalized, having served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, emphasizing his connection to Latin America and the Church’s peripheries. The visit aims to strengthen ties with local communities, celebrate religious heritage, and highlight social initiatives.
The official itinerary has yet to be confirmed by the Holy See, but the rough outline is as follows:
Argentina
According to the CIA World Factbook (July 2014), 92% of the country are nominally Catholic, but less than 20% practice their faith regularly (i.e., attend weekly Mass). Later studies in 2019 suggest that between 62.9% and 63.3% of Argentinians are Catholic.
Pope Leo’s visit will possibly include Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Luján, and Santiago del Estero,
Peru
As of the latest estimates, about 76% of Peruvians identify as Catholic, although this number has been declining over the decades—from 98.5% in 1940 to 76% in 2017. The Catholic Church in Peru plays a vital role in social and political life, influencing laws and moral issues. The Church operates numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations, maintaining a significant presence in the community.
The Pope is expected to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Pucallpa, and Cusco.
Uruguay
Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Uruguay marks the first papal visit to the country in nearly four decades, following John Paul II’s visits in 1987 and 1988. According to the latest official estimates, Uruguay’s population is about 3.38 million people, far smaller than the populations of its neighbors, such as Brazil (over 216 million) and Argentina (about 46 million). Uruguay is one of Latin America’s most secular countries, with only 6–8% of the population regularly practicing Catholicism. Despite this, papal visits historically attract broad public participation and carry cultural and national significance. The visit is anticipated to be a historic and unifying event for Uruguay, drawing attention beyond the Catholic community and reinforcing the Pope’s message of hope, unity, and closeness to local populations.
The Pope is expected to visit several key locations in Uruguay:
Montevideo: The capital city will be a principal stop, including visits to social programs in the Casavalle area, highlighting the Church’s charitable work.
Florida: Home to the National Shrine of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, patroness of Uruguay, where a major religious celebration is anticipated, possibly on November 8.
Cities such as Paysandú are under consideration for additional stops, though final decisions depend on logistical and security factors.