Leo XIV begins first papal visit to Argentina since 1987
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bénin Web TV
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on 8 November, welcomed by Argentine President Javier Milei for the first visit by a pontiff to Argentina since John Paul II in 1987. The visit is due to continue until 11 November in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján, according to Bénin Web TV.
Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday 8 November 2026 for his first visit to Argentina since John Paul II's trip in 1987. The pope was welcomed at Jorge Newbery Airport by Argentine President Javier Milei, before an official welcoming ceremony at the Casa Rosada and an address to political and diplomatic authorities, according to Bénin Web TV.
The Argentine visit is due to continue until 11 November in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján. On Monday 9 November, Leo XIV is notably due to visit Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, near Buenos Aires, which accommodates about 400 people with disabilities and is facing supply and funding difficulties linked to reductions in some public assistance, according to Bénin Web TV.
The visit comes amid disagreement between Argentine Catholic Church officials and Javier Milei's government over public spending cuts. Catholic representatives criticise their consequences for poor people and social institutions, while the president defends his austerity policy as a means of combating inflation and restoring public finances, according to Bénin Web TV.
The trip follows the start, on 6 November, of Leo XIV's twelve-day South American tour. After Argentina, the pope is due to travel to Peru from 11 to 17 November, with stops planned in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa.
