# Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Three-Day Apostolic Visit to Argentina President Milei welcomes the pontiff as national preparations conclude for the papal tour. - **Source:** [Buenos Aires Times](https://www.batimes.com.ar) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/eb989c1f-562f-435b-921e-6837012d0561 ## Historic Papal Return Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina this Sunday, November 8, marking the first papal visit in 39 years. The last pontiff to visit was John Paul II in 1987. This trip holds unique weight as Pope Francis, an Argentine native, never returned to his homeland during his twelve-year tenure as the Church leader. ## Medical Clearance Confirmed Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed the agenda remains unchanged despite the Pope’s recent surgery. On October 13, surgeons at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital removed a cancerous tumour from his right lung. Medical examinations concluded no further treatment is required, allowing the Vatican to clear the pontiff for his scheduled South American tour starting in Uruguay. ## Presidential Welcome Protocol President Javier Milei will greet the Pope at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery upon his arrival. The itinerary includes a private meeting at the Casa Rosada and a formal reception at the Palacio Libertad. Milei has invited all national deputies, senators, and provincial governors to the event, aiming to project a message of national unity. ## Political Thaw Observed Vice-President Victoria Villarruel will attend the reception and Monday’s Mass, marking a significant moment given her long-standing estrangement from President Milei. Initially excluded from the guest list, she was added following a request for a private audience with the Pope. Her presence signals a temporary cooling of tensions within the current administration. ## Mass Broadcast Details Two nationwide television broadcasts will cover the visit. The first features the meeting between the Pope and President Milei at the Palacio Libertad on Sunday evening. The second will transmit the papal Mass on Monday at 11.30am, held along Avenida Libertador in front of the Monumento de los Españoles in the Palermo district. ## Logistics and Security The government has implemented a massive security and transport operation to manage the crowds. Authorities provided 24,000 free SUBE travel cards to volunteers for public transit. Temporary restrictions are in place at airports and railway stations, while additional train and bus services will operate across Buenos Aires to facilitate movement during the visit. ## Strict Safety Restrictions Organisers have issued a comprehensive list of prohibited items for Monday’s Mass, including drones, glass containers, and backpacks exceeding 15 litres. Weapons, fireworks, and even umbrellas are banned to ensure public safety. Attendees are encouraged to bring water in plastic bottles and wear comfortable clothing while navigating the designated areas in Palermo. ## Broader Regional Itinerary Following his time in Buenos Aires, the Pope will visit the Cottolengo Don Orione home and the Catholic University of Argentina. He will also lead religious celebrations in Córdoba and Luján. The tour concludes in Peru, where the pontiff previously served as the Bishop of Chiclayo during his extensive missionary career in South America. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/milei-welcome-broadcasts-and-a-vp-thaw-quirno-confirms-details-of-pope-leos-visit-to-argentina.phtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._