The Head of Government of Buenos Aires, Jorge Macri, met this Friday, September 4, 2026, with the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Michael Wallace Banach, as part of the preparations for the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina, scheduled for November 8–11. During the meeting, Macri expressed his intention to meet personally with the Pontiff and present him with the Key to the City, a symbolic gesture of welcome and recognition.
The meeting comes at a crucial time of inter-jurisdictional coordination between the national government, the Province of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and the City of Buenos Aires to ensure the success of the papal visit—the first since Pope John Paul II's trip in 1987.
Who is the Apostolic Nuncio?
Monsignor Michael Wallace Banach took office as Apostolic Nuncio in Argentina on August 6, 2026, succeeding Monsignor Mirosław Adamczyk. As the Vatican's diplomatic representative, he plays a key role in liaising between the Holy See and the Argentine government for the organization of the papal visit.
The Pope's Agenda in Buenos Aires
According to the preliminary program, the Pope will celebrate Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, and participate in events at the UCA (Catholic University of Argentina), the Palacio San Martín (the Argentine Foreign Ministry), and the Devoto Prison, among other activities. Visits to the Province of Buenos Aires and Córdoba are also planned.
Mass in Luján and the Request for a National Holiday
One of the central events will be the Mass that Pope Leo XIV will preside over in Luján on November 11. The Buenos Aires provincial government, led by Governor Axel Kicillof, has requested that a national holiday be declared for both the day of the Mass and the preceding days of organization, citing the closure of national highways and routes and the massive movement of people the event will generate.
The Provincial Security Minister, Javier Alonso, was the spokesperson for this request, also highlighting the youth vigil planned for the night before the event. Coordination for these operations was discussed at a meeting in La Plata on September 3, with the participation of ministers, mayors, and representatives of the Catholic Church.
Youth Pilgrimage and Advance Missions
As a prelude to the papal visit, the 52nd edition of the Youth Pilgrimage to Luján will take place on October 3–4, an event that draws thousands of faithful and will serve as spiritual preparation for the Pope's arrival.
Additionally, the Vatican has sent a second advance mission led by Monsignor José Nahúm Jairo Salas Castañeda to finalize logistical details. Meanwhile, Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, will visit the UCA on September 11 to participate in interfaith activities.