Pope Leo XIV Begins South America Tour in Uruguay
The pontiff's first apostolic tour of the region takes him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru before his return to Rome on November 17.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Catholicism
Pope Leo XIV began his first apostolic tour of South America in Montevideo, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of State Workers welcomed the visit.
Why it matters
The trip is the first papal visit to Argentina in more than 40 years, drawing attention across a region with a large Catholic population. The Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of State Workers, which hosts a joint training program with the Catholic Church, has publicly welcomed the visit.
The tour is the Pope's first apostolic trip to South America, with Argentina marking the first papal visit there in over four decades. The source does not specify the agenda for each stop.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
The head of the Catholic Church, leading his first apostolic tour of South America.
Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of State Workers (CLATE)
A regional confederation of public-sector labor unions that co-runs a training program with the Catholic Church on work, dignity and social justice.
The details
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo to start his tour, spending time in Uruguay before flying to Buenos Aires on November 8. He will remain in Argentina until November 11, then travel to Peru until his return to Rome on November 17. The Pope confirmed his departure on social media.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Pope Leo XIV arrives in Montevideo to begin the tour.
November 7-8, 2026: Pope is in Uruguay before flying to Buenos Aires.
November 8-11, 2026: Pope visits Argentina.
November 11-17, 2026: Pope travels to Peru before returning to Rome on November 17.
Travel Outlook
The visit comes after a gap of more than 40 years since the last papal trip to Argentina, reviving high-profile Vatican travel to the country. The tour's timing in November places it outside the region's typical peak travel windows for religious tourism.
Travelers and pilgrims planning to attend public events during the tour should check official Vatican and local church announcements for schedules and access details. Visitors to Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Peru may face heavier security and transit adjustments during the Pope's stays.
The takeaway
Papal tours can shift local routines, from transit to event access, so anyone in the affected cities should plan ahead. Following official announcements is the most reliable way to track the schedule as it unfolds.
What happens next
The Pope is scheduled to return to Rome on November 17, 2026, ending the South America tour.
Further reading
For more background on the Church's global outreach, explore our Catholicism coverage.
