Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of his 12-day apostolic journey across three South American nations, following an initial visit to Uruguay. Flying aboard an Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737 MAX, the Pope completed the short 365-kilometer journey from Montevideo and landed at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery International Airport, where an official welcome ceremony was held in the airport’s military area.
President Javier Milei greeted the Pope at the foot of the aircraft’s stairs. The welcome ceremony featured military honors, the playing of the national anthems of both the Holy See and Argentina, a floral tribute presented by two children, and introductions of the respective delegations. The Pope was accompanied by key Church figures, including Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Michael Wallace Banach and Archbishop Marcelo Daniel Colombo of Mendoza.
This visit holds deep historical significance, given Buenos Aires’ close ties to former Pope Francis, who served as Archbishop of the capital for fifteen years prior to his papal election. As Argentina’s political, cultural, and financial hub, the city boasts a rich history dating back to its foundational years in the sixteenth century and its central role in the nation’s independence movement. Following the airport ceremonies, Pope Leo’s itinerary included traveling to Plaza San Martín in the Retiro neighborhood to honor General José de San Martín, a national hero of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The Pope’s journey will conclude in Peru on November 16.