Pope begins apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru

The Pope is continuing his apostolic journeys. After two major visits in the European context (Spain and France), and two extensive trips to Asia and Africa, the papal plane is now heading towards Latin America, with Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on the horizon.

It is important to remember, however, that Leo XIV has never been to America! The person who was born in the United States and served as a missionary (priest and bishop) in Peru was Robert Prevost… This is no small distinction! The status with which he will enter Peru is not the same: today's expectations go far beyond the man, priest and bishop who carried out a successful mission there.

Indeed, Fr. Robert Prevost was sent on mission to Peru and arrived in Chulucanas in 1985, following the terrible floods of 1983 and 1984, as Elise Ann Allen recounts in Leo XIV: The Biography.

It was there that he deepened his convictions regarding the Church's Social Doctrine, living in the context of a Latin America that had sought to implement the Second Vatican Council through the major Conferences of Medellín (1968) and Puebla (1979), embracing liberation theology and its emphasis on the preferential option for the poor.

After returning to Rome for further studies, he earned a doctorate in Canon Law in 1987.

His mission, always open and inclusive, took him across several different geographical settings: the United States, his country of origin; Peru, his second home; and Rome, where he served two terms as Prior General of the Augustinians.

On the Way to South America

The engines are running and everything is ready. Even the scare caused by his lung surgery is now behind him. The Pope will find Uruguay, Argentina and, above all, Peru waiting to welcome him with open arms. It is important, however, to understand that the Latin America he is about to encounter is not the same one in which he lived and worked.

Following the most recent papal election, Latin America has added even more gunpowder to an already long-explosive situation!

And it is becoming increasingly clear that those who “chose” the name Leo XIV – to honour, continue and deepen the legacy of Leo XIII, the Pope of Catholic Social Teaching – were the suffering people of Peru, victims of repeated and persistent attacks on their dignity and human rights.

If It Isn't Broken, Don't Fix It

A quick look at the programme for the visit to these three countries is enough to understand that the objectives are largely the same: combining major celebrations with more intimate encounters, strengthening the faith of Catholics – among whom Church leaders and young people are always present!

There is also room for dialogue with civil authorities, diplomats, other Christians, followers of different religions, and representatives of the worlds of education, culture and sport. Naturally, particular attention will be given to the most vulnerable, with visits to institutions that welcome and support people pushed to the margins of society.

A meeting is also planned with Catholics committed to serving the vast Amazon region and, as always, a more confidential encounter with victims of abuse.

In Argentina, of course, a major tribute will be paid to Pope Francis.

A Church Committed to Compassion

These three Latin American countries will welcome a Pope who is simple, close to the poor, warm and smiling, and determined to carry forward the synodal journey launched by Pope Francis.

His priorities include the communion of the Church, mission, reform of the Roman Curia, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, the role and responsibilities of women and other laypeople in the Church, the defence of migrants, the fight against abuse, reflection on artificial intelligence, concern for integral ecology, and an unwavering commitment to peace, justice and respect for human rights.

These are the major priorities of Leo XIV's mission, and they will also be the central themes of his visit to South America.

The Pope will repeat to the people of Latin America what he said during the General Audience of 28 May 2025: “Indeed, before being a religious issue, compassion is a question of humanity. Before being believers, we are called to be human.”

Fr. Tony Neves, CSSp