World Church · November 8, 2026
Also published in Português (Brasil)
Argentine bishops welcome Pope's visit to heal social divisions
The Argentine bishops have expressed their appreciation for the cooperation of Pope Leo XIV, viewing his upcoming visit as a vital opportunity to foster unity and cohesion among the people. The pontiff is scheduled to arrive in Buenos Aires on Sunday, November 8, marking the first papal visit to the country in thirty-nine years. The local Church has prepared for a four-day itinerary that includes stops in the cities of Córdoba and Luján, under the motto "Welcome all. Go and announce."
The visit takes place in a nation marked by a strong social divide, leading the bishops to hope that the Pope's presence will help heal this division. Marcelo Colombo, Archbishop of Mendoza and president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, stated that the Church is serving the need to strengthen the encounter of the people as a nation. He noted that the Pope's arrival to encourage hope and confirm faith will help the country find ways to work and act in this dimension. These remarks were made during a press conference held alongside Raúl Pizarro, the secretary general of the Argentine Episcopal Conference and auxiliary bishop of San Isidro.
Both prelates emphasized the pastoral nature of the visit, thanking the more than 25,000 volunteers who will serve during the four-day events. They also expressed gratitude to the government authorities and all those who made the logistics possible, which will mobilize millions of people. Archbishop Colombo described the encounter as an extraordinary opportunity for believers to grow in faith and for all sectors to grow in dialogue. He added that the visit responds to the longing for the presence of Pope Francis but carries its own characteristics, accent, and agenda under Pope Leo, always understood as a visit that ignites hope for the strengthening of communion and the search for encounter among Argentines.
Bishop Pizarro spoke with special enthusiasm about the event where the Pope will meet with Argentine youth on the night of Tuesday, November 10. He stated that Pope Leo specifically requested this meeting with young people, predicting it will be a magnificent night of joy and hope. The pontiff will listen to various testimonies from the participants and answer their concerns, particularly regarding the meaning of life. Another event of particular interest is the Pope's visit to the staff and guests of the Little Cottolengo of Don Orione, one of the thousands of centers worldwide where the Church cares for people with disabilities.
Archbishop Colombo highlighted that this visit speaks to the importance and need to accompany vulnerability. He said the Pope extends an embrace over the sacredness of life, noting that there is true life and dignity there that must be respected, accompanied, and sustained. The Pope, as a pastor, approaches this reality. Both bishops renewed the invitation for the entire Argentine people to participate in the activities with the Holy Father, considering it an opportunity to continue learning how to communicate Christ in this time.