The Argentine government has confirmed that Monday, November 9, will be a national holiday in honor of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming papal visit. Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced the decision following a coordination meeting between national government officials, Church leaders, and provincial representatives, including Presidential Secretary General Karina Milei, representatives of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, and leadership from Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
The national holiday on November 9 coincides with a major papal Mass scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in front of the Monument to the Spanish in the City of Buenos Aires. Additional local holidays are being arranged across specific jurisdictions along the Pope’s itinerary. The Government of Córdoba has confirmed a provincial holiday on Tuesday, November 10, to mark the pontiff’s arrival in the provincial capital, while the Province of Buenos Aires is currently evaluating a local holiday for Wednesday, November 11, when the Pope is set to preside over a Mass at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Luján.
To handle logistics and security, expenses for the apostolic journey will be shared among the National Government, the City of Buenos Aires, and the respective provincial governments. Local transit measures are also being arranged, including free public transportation on the SUBE network for registered volunteers assisting pilgrims throughout the Holy Father’s visit.
In preparation for the widespread crowds, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Monsignor Jorge García Cuerva, issued an appeal for additional volunteers. While approximately 14,000 individuals have already pre-registered, Church officials are aiming to secure a total of 20,000 volunteers, encouraging interested citizens to sign up through the official channels of the Argentine Episcopal Conference.