Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Argentina for First Papal Visit in 39 Years

Arrival and Welcome

On Sunday 8 November, Pope Leo XIV arrived at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires for a four‑day visit that will conclude in Peru. Argentine President Javier Milei greeted the pontiff, shaking hands and standing side by side on a red carpet before a ceremony with the national guard. The pontiff also greeted Karina Milei, who serves as the president's sister and the office's secretary-general, alongside high-ranking church officials and a gathering of minors and adolescents on the airport apron.

Later that night, an image of the pontiff was projected onto the city's Obelisco, marking the initial occasion the structure was lit up as part of a broader campaign to illuminate significant urban sites. The display, dressed in Vatican yellow and white, extended to the Floralis Genérica, Planetario, Teatro Colón and Cabildo.

Background

Leo XIV’s visit is the first papal trip to Argentina since Pope John Paul II in 1987, and the second leg of a 12‑day South‑American tour that began in Uruguay and will finish in Peru. The Pope’s predecessor, Pope Francis, was born in Argentina but did not return during his 12‑year papacy.

During a 30‑minute private meeting at the Casa Rosada, the Pope and President Milei discussed the country’s economic situation. The Pope’s first address to authorities, delivered at the Palacio Libertad, called for the economy to serve the person rather than the reverse, and urged leaders to recognise the limits of power and to direct decisions toward the common good.

The Pope also highlighted the need for special attention to the sick, people with disabilities, families facing uncertainty, the unemployed, the elderly and young people who leave the country in search of opportunities. He reiterated his opposition to abortion, which is legal in Argentina since 2020, and called for strengthened education, vocational training, universities and research.

Why it Matters

The visit has drawn attention from Argentina’s Catholic hierarchy, which has been a vocal critic of President Milei’s austerity policies that have impacted pensions, disability benefits and education. The Pope’s remarks were interpreted by some as a subtle critique of the government’s cuts and the president’s confrontational style.

Milei, who has announced plans to seek re‑election next year, delivered a restrained speech before the Pope, a departure from his usual tone. In his address, the leader of the Catholic Church stressed that power is most genuine when performed as a duty of service, noting that a democratic society depends on people coexisting even when they hold divergent opinions.

The illumination of the Obelisco and other landmarks in Vatican colours has been seen as a symbolic gesture of the Pope’s presence and the significance of the visit for the predominantly Catholic nation.

What Happens Next

The Pope’s four‑day stay in Argentina will include meetings with religious leaders, government officials and civil society representatives. He will continue his tour of South America, with the final stop in Peru. No further dates or decisions have been announced beyond the scheduled itinerary.

The visit is expected to influence discussions on economic policy, social welfare and democratic governance in Argentina, as the Pope’s remarks have already sparked debate among political observers and the media.