Thirty-nine years have passed since a pope last set foot on Argentine soil, prompting pilgrims from across the country to travel to the two cities where Leo XIV will meet directly with the faithful: Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Parishes have filled chartered buses, ticket offices at bus terminals have added services and families are pooling money to ensure no one misses the chance to take part in a historic trip.

The pontiff arrived at Buenos Aires’ Jorge Newbery Airport on Sunday afternoon. On Monday, November 9, a national holiday, he held several events in Buenos Aires City, including Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles. 

Leo traveled to Córdoba early on Tuesday, where he will celebrate the main Mass at the Argentine Aircraft Factory (FAdeA) grounds, tour the city in the popemobile, visit the archbishop’s residence and meet with clergy at the Cathedral. He will return to Buenos Aires that evening to lead a vigil with young people in Palermo.

On Wednesday, November 11, he will visit a federal prison and conclude his visit to Argentina in Luján.

Córdoba, the country’s pilgrimage hub

Most pilgrims traveling from outside the capital have chosen Córdoba because the bus journey is shorter and considerably cheaper than traveling to Retiro, Buenos Aires’ main long-distance bus terminal. This has made the city the preferred destination for worshippers from Argentina’s Northwest (NOA), Cuyo and much of the Northeast (NEA).

Organizers estimate that between 800,000 and one million people will attend the Mass at the FAdeA grounds. The same site hosted........

© Buenos Aires Herald