VATICAN CITY — Meetings with political leaders, prisoners and impoverished communities will feature in Pope Leo XIV’s South American journey as the Catholic Church confronts social inequality and declining religious participation across the region.
The 12-day itinerary covers Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, combining official engagements with pastoral visits and reunions linked to the pope’s missionary service.
Uruguay is preparing a major security operation involving about 5,000 police officers and 1,000 soldiers. Leo’s program includes a ride along Montevideo’s waterfront, a meeting with President Yamandu Orsi and the presentation of the keys to the city.
The visit takes him to a highly secular country whose policies on same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia differ from Catholic teaching. The pope is expected to emphasize the protection of life and traditional family values.
His itinerary also includes Casavalle, a Montevideo neighborhood affected by poverty and violence.
Leo proceeds to Argentina on Sunday before reaching Peru on Wednesday. Argentina was the homeland of Pope Francis, who did not return there during his papacy.
In Peru, official and public engagements will be accompanied by personal reunions. Leo served in the country for almost two decades and will meet priests from his former diocese of Chiclayo.
The 71-year-old pontiff is undertaking the journey following medical clearance after surgery on October 13. The Vatican said no special medical measures were necessary beyond standard arrangements for papal travel.
Leo said he hoped the visit would renew hope and strengthen faith in countries he described as dear to him.| – BNN Integrated News
