Pope Leo XIV will make his first South American tour from Nov. 6–17, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. He will arrive in Montevideo on Nov. 6 and travel to Argentina two days later before spending almost a week in Peru from Nov. 11, including a stop in Chiclayo. The Chicago-born pontiff, 70, served in Peru for decades, holds Peruvian citizenship and speaks fluent Spanish. He is due to visit France at the end of September ahead of the trip.
Pope Leo XIV to Make First South American Tour: Uruguay, Argentina and Peru (Nov 6–17)
FILE PHOTO - Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter's Square during the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) prayer at the Vatican. (is associated with: «Pope to visit Peru, Argentina and Uruguay on first South American tour») Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa
The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first visit to South America from November 6 to 17, with stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The pontiff—born in Chicago and widely known for his long service in Peru—will travel to Montevideo before visiting Argentina and spending nearly a week in Peru.
Itinerary Highlights
Nov 6: Arrival in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital.
Nov 8: Travel to Argentina, according to the Vatican schedule.
From Nov 11: Nearly a week in Peru, including a planned visit to Chiclayo in the country’s northwest.
Background
Pope Leo XIV spent many years in Peru as a missionary and later served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. During his time there he acquired Peruvian citizenship in addition to his U.S. nationality; following his election as pope last year he also received a Vatican passport as head of state.
Locals in Chiclayo—an urban center of roughly 290,000 people—still refer to him affectionately as "Monseñor Roberto," a reference to his civilian name, Robert Prevost. He served as a missionary in Peru from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s and later led the Augustinian Order worldwide for several years.
Language And Final Preparations
The 70-year-old pontiff speaks fluent Spanish, honed over nearly two decades living and working in Peru, which he often calls his "second home." Prior to this South American tour, he is scheduled to visit France at the end of September.
Note: The itinerary and timings are according to the Vatican announcement and may be subject to change.
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