Pope Leo XIV is due to arrive in Argentina on November 8 for a four-day visit, the first papal trip to the country in 39 years. His programme includes a meeting with President Javier Milei and events in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján.

The visit follows John Paul II’s trip to Argentina in April 1987. Pope Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires, did not return to the country during his pontificate.

A return after nearly four decades

The announced opening-day schedule calls for Leo to arrive from Montevideo at Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, visit the Monument to General San Martín and receive an official welcome at the Casa Rosada, the presidential headquarters. He is also due to hold a private meeting with Milei before attending a gathering with officials, civil society representatives and diplomats at Palacio Libertad.

Milei is scheduled to accompany the Pope at a Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles on November 9. The programme also includes a visit to Córdoba and a Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján on November 11, as well as meetings with workers, religious communities and young people.

The two men met at the Vatican on June 7, 2025, when they discussed Argentina’s socioeconomic situation, poverty and social cohesion. Milei invited Leo to visit Argentina at that meeting.

A stop at a disability centre

One planned stop is the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione, a centre in Claypole that cares for people with disabilities. The Argentine newspaper La Nación reports that the centre has more than 400 residents and belongs to a network serving 1,300 people with intellectual and motor disabilities.

The centre says government funding covers 35% of its operating costs. La Nación reports that since November 2025 it has had to pay for medicines, diapers and food itself after supplies stopped arriving through the Incluir Salud programme. The visit is also expected to include Devoto prison, according to the newspaper.

Another planned gesture comes from Santiago del Estero. Governor Elías Suárez is to present Leo with a handcrafted rosary honouring Mama Antula, Argentina’s first saint. Artisan Néstor Hugo Zar spent 45 days making it from alpaca, algarrobo wood, rhodochrosite and dolomite from Ancaján.

Policy differences and political context

The meeting comes with contrasting views on artificial intelligence and the role of the state. Milei has argued that AI can help drive economic growth and productivity, and opposes preventive rules that he believes could restrict innovation and competition.

Leo has called for human oversight and accountability in the development and use of AI, saying technology should serve the common good. He has also stressed the need to protect vulnerable people and promote human dignity, work and social justice.

The visit has postponed further meetings of the governing La Libertad Avanza party’s political committee, Diario Panorama reported. The Argentine newspaper also described the party’s relationship with Senator Patricia Bullrich as uncertain. Vice President and Senate President Victoria Villarruel has been invited to the welcome reception; Argentina’s Senate unanimously called on the executive to ensure the chamber’s institutional participation.