Pope Leo XIV set off from Rome's Fiumicino International Airport on Friday morning, beginning a diplomatic and pastoral tour of South America that will take him to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The Vatican confirmed the flight departed shortly after 7 am, with the pontiff expected to land in Montevideo around 4:30 pm local time.
The Chicago-born pope, who spent years in Peru as a missionary and later as a bishop, is returning to a region he knows intimately. His itinerary reflects a blend of official state visits, religious ceremonies, and outreach to communities facing social challenges.
Three days in Uruguay
In Uruguay, Leo has a packed three-day schedule. He will meet with President Yamandú Orsi, deliver a welcome address to government officials and diplomats, and preside over Vespers at the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. He is also scheduled to travel to the cities of Paysandú and Florida.
One notable stop is a visit to a Montevideo neighborhood affected by gang violence, a sign of the pope's attention to social issues. Maria Montserrat Alvar, the Vatican's new communications chief, highlighted the pope's energy: “His stamina is fantastic. The way that he’s singing is incredible. And you can only sing if your lungs are really strong.”
Alvar also addressed concerns about the pope's health, noting that his doctors are confident and that medical care is available on board if needed. “We don’t see that in his prognosis or even in the way that he’s acting,” she added.
Argentina and Peru
After Uruguay, Leo will head to Argentina, where he is due to visit Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. Argentina, the birthplace of his predecessor Pope Francis, remains a key Catholic stronghold in the region. The pope's visit comes at a time when Argentina is making headlines for other reasons, including its push to attract unregulated AI data centres in Patagonia.
In Peru, the pontiff is scheduled to appear in Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. These cities reflect the diversity of the country, from the Andean highlands to the Amazon basin, where Leo once served as a missionary. His return is likely to resonate deeply with local communities.
The tour underscores the Vatican's ongoing engagement with Latin America, a region that has produced significant numbers of Catholic faithful. It also comes amid broader geopolitical shifts, as European leaders seek stronger ties with the region. For instance, Madrid recently hosted the 30th Ibero-American Summit, where 22 nations discussed closer cooperation.
Leo's journey is being watched closely by observers who see it as a test of his stamina and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. The Vatican has emphasized that the pope is in good health and that the tour is proceeding as planned.
As the pope travels, his message is expected to focus on social justice, reconciliation, and the role of faith in addressing contemporary challenges. His stops in marginalized neighborhoods and his meetings with political leaders suggest a papacy that is both pastoral and politically engaged.
The tour also highlights the enduring links between Europe and South America, a relationship that has been strengthened by shared cultural and religious heritage. With stops in three countries, Leo is set to deliver a series of speeches and homilies that will likely shape the Vatican's approach to the region in the coming years.
