For the first time in 39 years: the unique step of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina for the first papal visit to the country in 39 years. He met with President Javier Milei and delivered a speech warning against corruption, organized crime, and human trafficking. The visit lasts four days and will include meetings with community leaders, a mass, and a visit to a treatment facility.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina for a historic four-day visit, the first papal visit to the country in 39 years. He met with President Javier Milei, whose relations with the previous pope, Argentine-born Francis, were complex. In a speech before senior officials, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps, the pope emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity, dialogue, and public responsibility. He warned against corruption, organized crime, human trafficking, and drug and arms smuggling, which he said undermine social cohesion and public trust in state institutions. Leo XIV also spoke about the legacy of his predecessor Francis, noting that the visit to the land where he grew up holds personal significance. The schedule includes a visit to a treatment facility in Claypole, a mass in Buenos Aires, meetings with worker representatives and religious community leaders, a visit to Córdoba, a prayer rally with young people, a prison visit, and a pilgrimage site in Luján, before continuing to Peru.