Pope Leo XIV's Latin America trip: live updates
Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November: preparations, statements and reports pending confirmation from the Holy See
Pope Leo XIV's apostolic journey to Latin America is scheduled for 6–17 November 2026: Uruguay (6–8 November), Argentina (8–11 November) and Peru. Since his lung surgery on 13 October, the Holy See has not yet officially confirmed that the trip will go ahead as planned.
The context. The surgeon Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News there are no clinical reasons against the trip: this is a medical assessment, not a confirmation from the Holy See (the interview with the surgeon). The full picture in our explainer (what we know and what the risks are).
How to read this page. Here we gather news from the countries on the itinerary: statements by bishops and organisers, preparations, media reports. Until the Holy See makes an official announcement, they are marked REPORT, each with its source.
#LeoXIV
Minute by minute
- Monday 19 October07:01Latest
REPORT | Peru, Guillermo Inca: preparations "según lo estipulado"
19 October, 6:48 a.m. (Rome) · REPORT | From Peru, Guillermo Inca, national coordinator of the apostolic visit, confirmed that preparations for the Pope's arrival "continúan avanzando según lo estipulado" ("are continuing to move forward as planned", our translation), América Noticias reports. #LeoXIV
Papa Leone XIV saluta dall'auto, 17 ottobre / Pope Leo XIV waves from his car, 17 October REPORT | Uruguay, Sturla: the Pope's health comes first. Tickets from 23 October
18 October, 9:28 p.m. (Rome) · REPORT | In Uruguay preparations continue, but Daniel Sturla, Cardinal Archbishop of Montevideo, puts the Pope's health first: "estamos con una gran expectativa de que el Papa venga, pero ante todo en estos días rezando por la salud del Papa" ("we have great expectations that the Pope will come, but above all in these days we are praying for his health", our translation), and says he is ready to "aligerar algo la agenda del Santo Padre" ("lighten the Holy Father's schedule somewhat", our translation) (ADN Celam). The Church in Uruguay has announced free, named tickets for the three main events from Friday 23 October at 11 a.m. In Argentina, EFE reports via Infobae, the bishops' conference is coordinating "más de 25.000 voluntarios inscriptos" ("more than 25,000 registered volunteers", our translation). #LeoXIV
Papa Leone XIV in piazza San Pietro (foto d'archivio) / Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square (file photo) REPORT | Uruguay "under evaluation", Argentina "on the agenda", Peru: 35,000 volunteers
18 October, 5:07 p.m. (Rome) · REPORT | The picture from South American media. According to Caras y Caretas, "su viaje a Uruguay sigue en evaluación" ("his trip to Uruguay is still under evaluation", our translation). From Rome, C5N correspondent Pamela Francescato reports that "hasta ahora el viaje del papa está en agenda" ("so far the Pope's trip is on the agenda", our translation). In Peru, according to EFE, the bishops' conference and the Ministry of Women signed an agreement to train "más de 35.000 voluntarios" ("more than 35,000 volunteers", our translation). #LeoXIV
Papa Leone XIV alla finestra per l'Angelus del 18 ottobre / Pope Leo XIV at the window for the Angelus on 18 October Argentina: government calls surgeon's view "very important" but urges caution
18 October, 3:01 a.m. (Rome) · The first reaction from Argentina to the Pope's surgeon. According to Infobae, citing a source close to Javier Milei, the government considers Stefano Margaritora's view that there are no clinical reasons against the visit "very important", but urges caution: "For now there is no official information" (our translation from the Spanish). Buenos Aires is waiting for word from the Holy See as preparations continue. #LeoXIV
Papa Leone XIV. Foto: Vatican Media / Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Vatican Media
Source: Vatican Report