Pope Leo XIV was welcomed to Argentina by President Javier Milei on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport near Buenos Aires. The pontiff's arrival marks a significant moment, as it is the first papal visit to the South American nation in nearly four decades.

This historic visit occurs against a backdrop of notable tensions between the Argentinian government and the Catholic Church, largely stemming from President Milei's controversial austerity measures. These economic policies have led to criticism from various sectors, including some within the clergy.

President Milei, accompanied by his sister and presidential secretary Karina Milei, greeted the Pope upon his arrival. Pope Leo XIV, who recently completed a three-day stop in Uruguay as the first leg of his Latin American tour, is scheduled to engage in several key events during his stay. These include a formal welcome ceremony at Plaza San Martin and a private meeting with President Milei at the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace.

The pontiff's presence in Argentina is particularly significant given the evolving religious landscape of Latin America. While the Catholic Church remains the largest religious group in the region, its membership has seen a decline in recent years. A Pew Research Center survey indicated a notable drop in self-identified Catholics in Argentina, from 71 percent a decade ago to 58 percent.

Adding another layer to the context of this visit is President Milei's own background. Raised in the Catholic faith, Milei has publicly expressed that he once considered converting to Judaism. This personal history, coupled with his administration's fiscal policies, has created a complex dynamic with the Church.

The Catholic Church hierarchy has voiced concerns over Milei's austerity plans, which involve substantial cuts to social spending and welfare programs. These measures, implemented by the president to combat inflation, have drawn criticism from various segments of society, with some members of the clergy actively participating in protests against them.

Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff, is 71 years old and will be in Argentina until Wednesday. His itinerary includes meetings with government officials, diplomats, and representatives of civil society. He is also slated to visit a prison and lead masses in Buenos Aires, Lujan, and the province of Cordoba. Following his time in Argentina, the Pope is scheduled to travel to Peru, where he previously served as a bishop for several years.

The last papal visit to Argentina was by Pope John Paul II in 1987. The current Pope, Francis, is himself from Buenos Aires, making this visit by Pope Leo XIV a unique event for the nation and its religious community.