Pope Leo XIV will meet abuse survivors during his Nov. 6-17 journey through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, adding a new focus to a 10-city trip that follows his recovery from lung surgery.
The Holy See Press Office announced plans for meetings with people who experienced abuse by clergy and other members of the Church. It has not said when or where they will take place.
They do not appear in the public itinerary.
The journey is scheduled to pass through Uruguay from Nov. 6-8, Argentina from Nov. 8-11 and Peru from Nov. 11-17. The itinerary lists Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida; Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján; and Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. In Buenos Aires, Leo is scheduled to meet Argentine President Javier Milei, whom Argentina’s government says invited him. A Pucallpa event is set to bring together missionaries and representatives of Amazonian peoples.
Peru has a personal connection for Leo. Vatican News says he served there as a missionary and bishop and acquired Peruvian citizenship.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the trip on Oct. 26 after medical checks found no contraindication to travel following Leo’s Oct. 13 surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. EconoTimes previously covered the Vatican’s medical clearance for the journey.
AFP quoted Christopher White of Georgetown University as saying: “This was already going to be an intense trip... a feat even without his surgery. Now, it will be even more scrutinised.”
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni is scheduled to brief reporters on the journey Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 a.m. ET (12:00 UTC).