# Pope Leo XIV arrives in Uruguay on South American tour

> The pontiff begins a three-country visit with stops in Montevideo, then heads to Argentina for the first papal visit since John Paul II in 1987.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV arrives in Uruguay on South American tour
- Summary: The pontiff begins a three-country visit with stops in Montevideo, then heads to Argentina for the first papal visit since John Paul II in 1987.
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, vatican, uruguay, argentina, papal visit, catholic church, montevideo, buenos aires, cordoba, lujan, LA NACION
- Source: LA NACION — https://lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/visita-del-papa-leon-xiv-en-vivo-su-paso-por-uruguay-y-las-ultimas-noticias-de-su-agenda-en-buenos-nid07112026
- Author: LA NACION
- Published: 2026-11-07T06:15:09.324+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, vatican, uruguay, argentina, papal visit, catholic church, montevideo, buenos aires, cordoba, lujan, news, politics
## Pope arrives in Uruguay to start tour
Pope Leo XIV landed in Uruguay on November 7, 2026, beginning a South American visit that will include Argentina and other stops. He was received by around thirty thousand people in Montevideo.
## First papal visit to Argentina since 1987
Pope Leo XIV will travel to Argentina from November 8 to 11, 2026. This is the first papal visit to the country since Pope John Paul II travelled there in 1987.
## Saturday schedule in Uruguay confirmed
On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV will fly from Montevideo to Paysandú at eight twenty-five am for a mass at Parque París Londres, then return for meetings and a prayer vigil at Estadio Centenario.
## Pope avoids ring-kissing gesture with ex-president
Former Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Herrera attempted to kiss Pope Leo XIV's ring during a reception in Montevideo on Friday. The Pope withdrew his hand twice, and they ended by shaking hands.
## Pope links lung surgery to healthcare access
In his first speech on the continent, Pope Leo XIV discussed his recent lung operation and linked it to the urgent need to guarantee healthcare access for all people.

> The illness, disability, physical pain, loss of autonomy, poverty, lack of work or exclusion can make the help of others especially necessary.
## Pope described as serene and diplomatic
Pope Leo XIV is described as calm, determined, and diplomatic, willing to speak firmly when necessary. He has a different character and style from his predecessor Pope Francis but shares a similar vision.

> Dresses like Benedict, but speaks like Francis.
## Argentine Catholics at historic low
Approximately fifty-nine percent of Argentines identify as Catholic, the lowest level on record. Among older adults it is seventy-six percent, but among younger adults it drops to around fifty percent.
## Thousands travel from provinces for visit
Thousands of faithful are travelling hundreds and thousands of kilometres from provinces across Argentina to attend masses and meetings in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján. Some contingents have exceeded church expectations.
## Young people fundraise to attend papal events
In some provinces, young people have organized raffles, food sales and charity activities to raise money for travel to the papal visit. Giant screens and community celebrations will be available for those unable to travel.
## Casa Rosada decorated for papal arrival
Karina Milei, secretary general of the presidency, ordered Casa Rosada decorated with yellow and white plants in honour of Vatican colours. Decoration began Friday and continues through Sunday when Pope Leo XIV arrives.
## Argentina visit spans three cities
Pope Leo XIV's Argentina itinerary includes Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján over three days from November 8 to 11, 2026. The schedule is described as frenetic to fulfil all planned obligations.
## Visit recalls John Paul II's 1987 tour
The papal visit is the first to Argentina since Pope John Paul II travelled there in 1987. The event is expected to have strong religious and social impact, with governors, mayors and legislators mobilizing.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay on November 7, 2026, beginning a South American tour that will take him to Argentina for the first time since John Paul II visited in 1987.