From Buenos Aires Herald · Veronica Smink · · 1m 50s
Pope Leo’s Argentina Visit: Changes Since John Paul II
Pope Leo XIV’s Argentina trip highlights democratic progress but economic struggles since John Paul II’s visits.
In brief
Pope Leo XIV’s Argentina trip highlights democratic progress but economic struggles since John Paul II’s visits. Pope Leo XIV’s November 2024 visit to Argentina marks the country’s 40th year of democracy and economic challenges after John Paul II’s 1980s trips. Originally reported by Buenos Aires Herald.
Pope Leo XIV’s Argentina Visit
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina on November 8, 2024, becoming the second pontiff to visit the country after John Paul II.
John Paul II’s 1980s Visits
John Paul II visited Argentina twice in the 1980s: a 30-hour peace pilgrimage during the 1982 Malvinas War and a seven-day 1987 tour.
Democratic Context Today
Argentina has 40 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since the 2023 election and no armed conflicts since the 1982 Malvinas War.
Catholicism’s Changing Role
Catholicism remains central to Argentine identity but now has fewer adherents, with 58% identifying as Catholic in 2024 versus 71% in 2013, 14.
Economic Challenges
Argentina faces high inflation, labor unrest, and austerity measures that have impacted vulnerable groups and public services.
Pope Leo’s Meeting with Milei
Pope Leo XIV plans to meet with President Milei during his November 2024 visit to Argentina.
Archbishop’s Concerns
Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva criticizes the government’s austerity policies and their social costs.
Church’s Stance on Austerity
The Argentine Episcopal Conference says the Church can maintain a constructive relationship with the government while defending vulnerable groups.
Pilgrimage Trends
Pilgrimages to shrines like Luján draw massive crowds, with over two million participants in the 1982 pilgrimage.
Francis’s Absence
Pope Francis, born in Argentina, never returned to his homeland during his 12-year papacy.
Leo’s Priorities
Pope Leo XIV may continue Pope Francis’s focus on inequality, social cohesion, and environmental issues through visits to disability facilities and prisons.
The takeaway
Pope Leo XIV’s November 2024 visit to Argentina marks the country’s 40th year of democracy and economic challenges after John Paul II’s 1980s trips.
