Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Argentina on November 8, 2026, for his first visit to the country, entering his tour backed by a nationwide favorable rating of 68.5 percent, according to a poll released on September 23, 2026, by the firm Zuban Córdoba. The pontiff heads to South America following an initial stop in Uruguay, carrying an unusual personal and ecclesial dynamic as the first visit by Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s successor to the homeland of Pope Francis.
Zuban Córdoba Survey Records Strong Favorable Rating Across Demographics
The nationwide survey, conducted from September 16 to 19 among 2,000 respondents with a 95 percent confidence level, found that only 7.2 percent of Argentines view the pontiff negatively. Data released by Zuban Córdoba shows that 9.7 percent of respondents do not know Leo XIV, while 14.6 percent remain undecided, indicating that the favorable numbers stem from established opinions among those familiar with the papacy rather than universal name recognition.
Public opinion varies across age brackets. Citizens over 60 years old report the highest approval at 74 percent, followed by 69.2 percent among adults aged 31 to 45. Among younger respondents aged 16 to 30, the positive rating drops to 59.6 percent, with 16.4 percent expressing a negative view. Gender differences remain modest, with 71.6 percent of men and 65.9 percent of women reporting favorable opinions.
Itinerary Spans Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján Shrine
The Argentine itinerary runs from November 8 through November 11, 2026, before the Pope continues his journey to Peru, where he previously served as an Augustinian missionary and bishop of Chiclayo. Organizers have scheduled events outside of the capital to engage diverse communities across the country.
The schedule includes:
- Buenos Aires: Celebration of Mass and a prayer vigil with young people.
- Córdoba: A regional visit located approximately 750 kilometers from Buenos Aires.
- Basilica of Our Lady of Luján: The final stop at the national shrine dedicated to Argentina’s patroness.
Event organizers anticipate crowds reaching up to one million people for the Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, making it one of the largest public gatherings of Leo XIV’s pontificate. Polling figures emphasize that the September survey functions as an early baseline snapshot of public sentiment rather than a prediction of the visit’s reception.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Visit
When does Pope Leo XIV arrive in Argentina?
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina on November 8, 2026, after completing the first leg of his South American journey in Uruguay.
What is the public approval rating for the Pope in Argentina?
A nationwide survey published on September 23, 2026, by Zuban Córdoba shows that 68.5 percent of Argentines hold a favorable opinion of the pontiff, while 7.2 percent view him negatively.
Which locations will the Pope visit during his trip?
The itinerary includes Buenos Aires for youth events, Córdoba, and a concluding Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján.
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