The Argentine government took its first official step this Tuesday to welcome Pope Leo XIV, in a historic meeting led by Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Presidency, at the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace). Representatives from the Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA), national cabinet officials, and Buenos Aires city authorities participated in the session.
Who Attended the Meeting
The meeting, which lasted several hours, included Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, and Communications and Press Secretary Fabián Fernández. From the Church side, the Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina, Monsignor Michael Wallace Banach, Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge García Cuerva, and priests Matías Taricco and Máximo Jurcinovic attended. The city government was represented by Chief of Staff Gabriel Sánchez Zinny.
Key Points of the Papal Visit
- Dates: November 8–11, 2026
- Cities: Buenos Aires, Luján, and Córdoba
- First papal visit in nearly 40 years (the last was John Paul II in 1987)
- Possible national holiday during the visit
- Tribute to Pope Francis could be included
Security and Logistics: An Unprecedented Operation
According to Archbishop García Cuerva, “security will be handled by the national government and coordinated with provincial forces.” Each open-air celebration could draw up to one million people, requiring a joint operation involving federal, provincial, and Buenos Aires city forces.
The archbishop also anticipated that Leo XIV might visit the Cotolengo de Claypole in the Almirante Brown district, in addition to the Basilica of Luján. Main events would be held at the Monument to the Spaniards (Buenos Aires), the Luján Basilica, and the Argentine Aircraft Factory (FADEA) in Córdoba.
A Tribute to Francis and Possible Holiday
CEA sources said that “Leo will surely pay some tribute to Pope Francis,” though no activities are confirmed yet. The government is also considering declaring a national holiday on the days of the visit, a decision that would be made in early November.
Regarding accommodation, the Pope will stay at the Apostolic Nunciature in Buenos Aires, while the rest of his delegation will be lodged in a nearby hotel to facilitate logistics.
Next Steps
On August 30, a second visit by the Holy See's advance team will inspect and evaluate the venues. A National Commission for the Preparation of the Visit has been formed, along with local teams in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. National authorities committed to involving officials from the provinces of Buenos Aires and Córdoba in future meetings.
Archbishop García Cuerva summed up the spirit of the gathering: “This is a national visit and a first approach, but the spirit is to work fully together.”