Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to embark on his first papal journey to Latin America in November, marking a return to a region where he spent a significant portion of his religious ministry. The Vatican confirmed the announcement on Wednesday, detailing plans for visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17.
The itinerary includes stops in Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida in Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján in Argentina; and Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa in Peru. A more detailed schedule is expected to be released at a later date.
This trip holds particular significance due to Pope Leo XIV's deep-rooted connections to Peru. The first U.S.-born pope dedicated decades to missionary work and leadership in the country, serving as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He also holds Peruvian citizenship, making his return to Chiclayo, the diocese he led before his election, a anticipated highlight of the tour.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV will visit Argentina, the native country of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. Despite numerous invitations, Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, never returned to Argentina during his 12-year papacy.
The South American tour will follow Pope Leo XIV's earlier trip to France from September 25 to 28, his inaugural visit to the country as pope. This upcoming journey is part of an increasingly active travel schedule in the initial months of his pontificate.