Pope begins apostolic journey to South America with stop in Uruguay

The Pope began this Friday (November 6, 2026) a South American apostolic journey that includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru; the first leg will be Montevideo, Uruguay, and the return to Italy is expected on November 17, according to ANSA.

Details of the apostolic journey: Uruguay, Argentina and Peru

The Pope's apostolic journey to South America features a route covering Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, with an initial arrival planned in Montevideo. The Pontiff departed Rome–Fiumicino airport aboard the ITA Airways A330neo aircraft named 'Daniele de Rossi' and identified with the call sign Leone XIV, ANSA reported. The flight to Uruguay was described by the press as lasting approximately 13 and a half hours.

The official schedule foresees liturgical gatherings, meetings with civil and pastoral authorities, and public celebrations in the three countries, according to statements cited by ANSA. The visit follows other international trips of the pontificate and sits within the Vatican external activities calendar for 2026. To follow developments in Italy related to the Pope's agenda, readers may consult the Italy News from Raízes Italianas.

Message to President Mattarella

Before departure, the Pope sent a greeting telegram to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, according to ANSA. In the text, the Pontiff entrusted to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints who announced the Gospel of charity the "desires for peace and fraternity" of the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

In the same telegram, the Pope extended a cordial greeting to President Mattarella and expressed fervent prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the Italian nation, the agency added. The message reaffirms the Vatican's diplomatic and spiritual custom of maintaining cordial contacts with Italian civil authorities before and during apostolic journeys.

Countries overflown and blessings during the flight

During the outbound leg to Montevideo, the Pope will send greetings and blessings to the heads of state of the countries the plane will overfly, ANSA reported. The list mentioned by the agency includes France, Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, and Brazil.

This kind of gesture — greetings and blessings to the leaders of the states overflown — is a recurring practice in long-distance papal travels and has a symbolic character of pastoral and diplomatic attention to the peoples affected by the route. For context on Vatican relations with Latin American countries and topics of citizenship for Italian communities abroad, see the Raízes Italianas pages Life in Italy and Citizenship.

Return planned and next steps

The Pope's return to Italy is scheduled for November 17, 2026, after completing visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, according to ANSA's coverage. Among the activities expected in the South American countries are public Masses, meetings with authorities, and moments of dialogue with local communities, though the detailed schedule of specific places and times is released by the respective nunciatures and local offices of the episcopal conferences.

The Vatican's communications team typically publishes official notices with daily agenda details; international press and agencies like ANSA monitor and disseminate these statements, which serve as the basis for journalistic coverage.

The Pope entrusted the "desires for peace and fraternity" of the peoples of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints, according to a telegram cited by ANSA.

Conclusion The Pope's departure from Fiumicino marks the start of a roughly two-week apostolic journey through South America, with an initial stop in Montevideo and a return expected on November 17. The itinerary blends religious commitments with institutional encounters, including greetings and blessings to the overflown countries along the route.

Source: ANSA