A confirmation after weeks of doubt
Pope Leo XIV has ratified his journey to Argentina, scheduled for November 8 to 11 as part of a South American tour that also takes in Uruguay and Peru between November 6 and 17. The announcement closed a period of speculation about whether the trip would go ahead after the pontiff underwent surgery on a lung tumor less than two weeks earlier.[S1][S2][S4][S7][S8]
The confirmation was made through a message on the pope's social media accounts, in which he described his joy at returning to a continent where he has spent many moments of his life. He framed the journey as an occasion for people to open their hearts to one another, strengthen their communion as brothers and sisters and renew their commitment to proclaim the Gospel with gladness.[S1][S4][S5][S6]
The Vatican's press office issued a statement on the same day explaining that the decision rested on the pope's good recovery. It said the operation had been completed successfully and without complications, that later examinations showed the disease was localized and that no further cancer treatment is required.[S1][S4][S5]
According to the Holy See, Dr. Luigi Carbone, who has been following the pope's progress, confirmed that recent tests attest to good health and a favorable clinical condition. The statement added that nothing medically prevents the apostolic journey from proceeding as planned, and that the pope is following medical advice carefully while remaining determined to keep serving the Church.[S1][S3][S5][S6]
A return to a continent he knows well
When Leo XIV speaks of the continent where he lived so many moments, he is referring to his years in Peru, a country of which he also holds nationality. Robert Prevost first arrived there as a young Augustinian missionary and later became bishop of Chiclayo, in the north of the country.[S1][S2][S3]
Days before the official announcement, the pope had already raised expectations during a general audience in St. Peter's Square. A couple of newlyweds from Santa Fe asked him to travel to Argentina, and he replied that Argentina should get ready, a brief exchange captured on video. The gesture came about a week after the surgery in which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed following an early-detected adenocarcinoma.[S2][S3][S5]
After being discharged, the pope gradually resumed his activities, including a ride through the square in the popemobile in the rain. He also raised a thumb at an Argentine flag and told religious figures from Córdoba that he would be there when they invited him.[S2]
Since returning to the Vatican, Leo XIV has been rebuilding his official schedule in consultation with his doctors, balancing public commitments and audiences with adequate rest. The Vatican said he has kept important engagements while attending to the needs of each day.[S1][S5]
The Argentine itinerary, day by day
The pope is due to land at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery at 16:30 on Sunday, November 8, arriving from Montevideo. He will then pay tribute at the monument to General José de San Martín in Plaza San Martín, take part in a welcome ceremony at the Casa Rosada and hold a private meeting with President Javier Milei. At 18:30 he is scheduled to address government authorities, the diplomatic corps and civil society representatives at the Palacio Libertad.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S6]
On Monday, November 9, the first engagement is a pastoral visit to the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, in the south of Greater Buenos Aires. At 11:30 the pope will celebrate a large Mass at the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo. In the afternoon he will meet labor union and workplace representatives at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, hold an ecumenical and interreligious gathering with leaders of various Christian communities and faiths at the Palacio San Martín, and close the day with the Argentine episcopate at the Cathedral and a dinner with the bishops.[S1][S2][S3][S5][S6]
On Tuesday, November 10, the pope flies to Córdoba, where he will celebrate Mass at 10:00 on the esplanade of the Military Aviation School and later meet local clergy, religious and seminarians at the Córdoba Cathedral. He returns to Buenos Aires that afternoon and is due to lead a youth prayer vigil at the Monument to the Spaniards at 20:15.[S1][S5][S6]
On his final day, Wednesday, November 11, Leo XIV will make a pastoral visit to the Federal Penitentiary Complex of Devoto and then celebrate the closing Mass at the Plaza de la Basílica de Luján, the heart of national Marian devotion. Around 14:00 he will take part in an official farewell ceremony at the airport before departing for Lima, Peru.[S1][S6]
Political and public reaction
President Javier Milei celebrated the news on social media shortly after it broke, reposting the pope's message and describing his reaction as enormous joy. The official Casa Rosada account also shared the pontiff's post within minutes.[S1][S3]
The Vatican statement said the pope awaits the trip with great joy and enthusiasm, seeing it as a chance to strengthen bonds of communion with local Churches, encourage the faithful in their mission and carry a message of faith, hope and peace to the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.[S1][S6]
