Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a significant return to Latin America, where his upcoming Apostolic Journey will combine a message of faith, hope, and peace with a personal commitment to listening to survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has confirmed that the Holy Father will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6–17, 2026, marking an important international journey as he continues recovering from surgery earlier this month.
According to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office announced on October 27 that private meetings are being arranged between Pope Leo XIV and individuals who have suffered abuse by clergy and other members of the Church.
The encounters will provide an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences directly with the Pope, continuing his efforts to promote healing, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable people within Catholic communities.
In its official announcement, the Vatican explained that the meetings reflect the Pope’s desire to accompany those who have experienced abuse and to help establish “paths to healing accessible to anyone who needs them.”
The statement also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Church becomes “a safe and spiritually healthy place that lives and communicates the Gospel.”
These planned meetings follow similar encounters during Pope Leo’s recent Apostolic Journeys to Spain and France.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father met with survivors in Madrid on June 8 and in Lourdes on September 27. Both gatherings took place privately, allowing participants to discuss their experiences and concerns directly with the Pope.
During his meeting in Lourdes, Pope Leo called for “utmost vigilance” and “utmost determination” in pursuing truth, justice, forgiveness, and reparation.
Speaking to journalists afterward, the Pope acknowledged the particularly devastating consequences of abuse committed within religious institutions.
“Sexual abuse is first and foremost a human problem. When it happens within the Church, it actually has another whole dimension added to it, because people’s lives of faith are deeply wounded and sometimes even destroyed,” he said.
The upcoming meetings in Latin America will continue an approach to survivor engagement established by previous pontiffs, including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who also met with victims of clerical abuse during international visits.
Beyond these encounters, the November journey is expected to strengthen relationships between the Vatican and Catholic communities throughout South America.
In a separate statement released October 26, the Holy See confirmed that the trip would proceed as scheduled, despite concerns surrounding Pope Leo’s recent medical treatment.
The Pope underwent surgery on October 13. According to Vatican News, medical examinations following the procedure confirmed that his condition was localized and that additional oncological treatment would not be necessary.
The Vatican reported that his recovery continues to progress favorably, with doctors finding no medical reason to prevent the planned journey.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, whose assessment was included in the Vatican statement, confirmed that the Pope’s latest examinations indicate good health and a favorable clinical condition.
Pope Leo has gradually resumed his responsibilities while following medical advice and allowing additional time for rest.
The Holy Father also expressed his personal enthusiasm about returning to a region that has played an important role in his life and ministry.
“I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life,” Pope Leo said in the October 26 statement.
He expressed hope that the journey would deepen unity among Catholics and inspire renewed dedication to sharing the Christian faith.
“May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.”
For Catholics in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, the papal visit will offer an opportunity to celebrate their faith and strengthen their connection with the universal Church.
At the same time, the planned meetings with abuse survivors will bring attention to one of the Church’s most serious ongoing responsibilities: addressing the suffering caused by abuse, supporting those who have been harmed, and strengthening efforts to prevent future violations.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to embark on his 12-day journey, his visit will carry both a pastoral message of hope for Latin America’s Catholic communities and a renewed emphasis on healing wounds within the Church.
The journey will also represent a significant moment in his recovery, as he resumes international travel while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of his pontificate.
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