Pope Leon XIV's First Latin American Tour: Countries on the Agenda

On Tuesday, a Vatican delegation touched down in Uruguay to finalize arrangements for Pope Leon XIV's inaugural tour of Latin America. This historic journey is set to include stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, with an official announcement anticipated by the end of July.

The visit to this South American nation was confirmed by Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, during a press conference at the headquarters of the Uruguayan Episcopal Conference, as reported by Telenoche and ACI Prensa.

"The Pope is coming in November," Sturla declared, putting to rest months of speculation surrounding the much-anticipated tour.

According to the cardinal, the trip is expected to occur between November 5 or 6 and extend through November 10 or 16. This will be Leon XIV's first time in the Americas since becoming pope in May 2025.

Although the Vatican has not yet released the finalized itinerary, Sturla noted there are "many signs" indicating that Uruguay will be the initial stop on the tour.

"We hope to be the first to welcome him... and, to some extent, there are many indications that this will be the case," he expressed.

Itinerary Highlights and Local Impact

The Archbishop revealed that Montevideo and the Florida department are already confirmed on the itinerary, though a potential visit to Paysandú remains under consideration.

"The idea is for him to visit a northern department; it might be Paysandú, but since it's not confirmed, we shouldn't raise false expectations," he explained.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments could take place on November 8, when Leon XIV is expected to lead a mass in Florida, celebrating the feast day of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patron saint.

"It would be a tremendous gift for the Virgin and everyone if we could celebrate the Holy Mass with the Pope there," Sturla mentioned.

Significant Social Engagements

In Montevideo, the Vatican delegation has already surveyed the Casavalle district, where the Pope is likely to visit the El Borro neighborhood, renowned for the Catholic Church's significant social work.

"It's important for him to witness these works and for the people there to have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father," the cardinal remarked.

During his stay, Leon XIV is scheduled for a private meeting with President Yamandú Orsi, who personally extended the invitation to the Pope during a visit to the Vatican.

However, a speech before the Uruguayan Parliament is not on the agenda. Sturla explained that this decision aligns with the Holy See's tradition of avoiding venues that might provoke political controversy.

"The Pope is a symbol of unity, and if something stirs debate, he surely won't speak in Parliament," he affirmed.

Anticipation and Historical Context

Yago de la Cierva, a professor and coordinator of Leon XIV's recent visit to Spain, also attended the conference, hinting at the tour's potential impact.

"What I'm here to tell you is that you have no idea what's coming," he stated, though he clarified that the itinerary and dates still await official confirmation from the Vatican.

This visit will mark Leon XIV as the first pope to set foot in Uruguay in 38 years, since John Paul II's historic journey in 1988. During Pope Francis's tenure from 2013 to 2025, Uruguay never hosted a papal visit, a fact Sturla reminded the new pontiff soon after his appointment.

"Holy Father, we are waiting for you. Francis did not visit Uruguay or Argentina, so we await you," he recounted.

For the cardinal, Leon XIV's arrival goes beyond religious significance.

"The Pope's visit is a tremendous joy for the Church, but also for the entire country," he concluded, confident that Uruguay will welcome the pontiff "with open arms."