How is Buenos Aires preparing for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV? From November 8 to 11, 2026, Argentina will host the apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV, an event that will turn the streets of Buenos Aires upside down.
Whether you’re planning to camp out to see him up close or simply want to know which streets to avoid so you don’t get stuck in traffic, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know to get around the city during those days: the Pope’s itinerary in Buenos Aires, schedule, road closures, and much more.
The holidays for the Pope’s visit to Argentina have been confirmed
Public holidays have been confirmed! So that anyone who wants to can see the Pope and join his tour of Buenos Aires (and to alleviate some of the traffic chaos his arrival may cause), the government has declared public holidays during the visit:
- Monday, November 9: National Holiday.
- Tuesday, November 10: Holiday in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) and the province of Córdoba.
- Wednesday, November 11: Holiday in the Province of Buenos Aires (GBA).
Traffic Alert: Palermo will be impassable: streets to avoid during Leo XIV’s visit
The epicenter of the mass gatherings in the Federal Capital is the Monumento de los Españoles (Avenida del Libertador and Sarmiento). Preparations for stages and structures have already begun, but the important part is yet to come:
- Complete road closures: From November 4 through 14, there will be complete and phased road closures on Avenida del Libertador, on the stretch between Av. Olleros and Ugarteche.
- Alternative Routes: If you’re traveling by car, the Department of Transportation recommends using Av. Cabildo. To access Lugones or the Illia Expressway, the best options are Av. De los Ombúes, Av. Dorrego, or Av. Sarmiento.
Pope Leo XIV’s Day-by-Day Itinerary in Buenos Aires
📅Sunday, November 8 (Arrival and Downtown Buenos Aires)
- 4:30 p.m.: Arrives at Jorge Newbery Airport.
- 5:00 p.m.: Visit to the Monument to General San Martín (Plaza San Martín, Retiro). The first ideal spot for onlookers lining the streets.
- 5:20 p.m.: Welcome ceremony at the Casa Rosada.
- 5:50 p.m.: Meeting with President Javier Milei.
- 6:30 p.m.: Meeting with officials and the diplomatic corps at the Palacio Libertad (formerly CCK).
📅Monday, November 9 (Southern Greater Buenos Aires and City of Buenos Aires)
- 9:15 a.m.: Visit to the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole (Province of Buenos Aires).
- 11:30 a.m.: Mass at the Monumento de los Españoles (Palermo). This is the main event open to the general public in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA).
- 4:10 p.m.: Meeting with labor unions and social movements at the UCA (Puerto Madero).
- 5:30 p.m.: Meeting with religious leaders at the Palacio San Martín (Retiro).
- 6:45 p.m.: Vespers at the Metropolitan Cathedral (Plaza de Mayo).
- 7:45 p.m.: Private dinner with the bishops at the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires (where he will likely spend the night).
📅Tuesday, November 10 (Córdoba and return to Palermo)
- During the day: The Pope travels to Córdoba (Mass at the Military Aviation School).
- 6:10 p.m.: Returns to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque).
- 8:15 p.m.: Vigil with young people at the Monument to the Spaniards (Palermo). A large crowd is expected to camp out and gather in the Palermo Woods.
📅Wednesday, November 11 (Farewell in Luján)
- 8:00 a.m.: Visit to the Federal Penitentiary Complex in Buenos Aires.
- 10:00 a.m.: Farewell Mass at the Basilica of Luján. A massive event for the faithful from across the country.
- 1:30 p.m.: Farewell ceremony at Ezeiza International Airport.
- 2:00 p.m.: His flight departs for Lima, Peru.
Where to See the Pope (and Where to Avoid If You Don’t Like Crowds)
If you plan to see Pope Leo XIV, take note of his itinerary through the streets of Buenos Aires. (If you want to avoid the chaos, steer clear of these areas during these times):
📅Sunday, November 8 (Arrival): He lands at Aeroparque at 4:30 p.m. The best spot to see him pass by on the street is at 5:00 p.m. at the Monument to General San Martín (Retiro). Afterward, the entire Bajo area will be gridlocked due to his visit to the Casa Rosada (5:20 p.m.) and the Palacio Libertad / former CCK (6:30 p.m.).
📅Monday, November 9 (The day with the largest turnout in CABA): At 11:30 a.m., he will celebrate a Mass attended by a massive crowd at the Monumento de los Españoles in Palermo. In the afternoon (6:45 p.m.), the focus shifts to Plaza de Mayo for Vespers at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
📅Tuesday, November 10 (Vigil in the Woods): After spending the day in Córdoba, the Pope returns to Buenos Aires at 6:10 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., he will lead a vigil with young people, once again at the Monument to the Spaniards.
📅Wednesday, November 11 (Farewell): At 10:00 a.m., a farewell Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of Luján, before his departure from Ezeiza at 2:00 p.m. for Peru.
If you work in the Retiro, Microcentro, or Puerto Madero areas, keep in mind that on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, security will be tight, and you’ll find barriers everywhere. Take advantage of Monday’s holiday to stay in your neighborhood, or if you decide to go to Palermo for the main events, travel exclusively by subway (Line D).
