One of the biggest questions following Pope Leo XIV’s address is whether he will be able to make the trip he has planned for November to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
The ambassadors to the Vatican are patiently awaiting an official announcement on the matter.
JUAN RAÚL FERREIRA
Ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See
I don't think we should pressure the Holy See's authorities, because when they find out something, they'll let us know.
The Uruguayan is in contact with his colleagues in Argentina and Peru, and he notes that they have done a good job working together to prepare for this historic trip.
JUAN RAÚL FERREIRA
Ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See
We’re in constant contact. We’ve been that way from the very beginning—that was another really wonderful experience: how the three of us ambassadors made this a common cause right from the start, so as not to ask for things that would cause problems in the other country or make it difficult for the Holy See to negotiate there. And obviously, we’re in constant contact, but we’re still in shock.
This representative remains uncertain about what will happen regarding the trip. But above all, he is concerned about Pope Leo XIV's health.
JUAN RAÚL FERREIRA
Ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See
I am very sad, very sad, and I hope, though as an ambassador I cannot say this because Uruguay is a secular country, but I will speak the truth, I hope with all my heart that our prayers reach where they need to go, because the world, and this I can say both as a person and as an ambassador, needs a pope like Leo XIV.
Ferreira is familiar with the pope and Vatican affairs. His theory is that Pope Leo XIV has not yet made up his mind because he still hopes to visit Peru, his adopted country, as well as Uruguay and Argentina, which have not hosted a pope since the late 1980s.
JUAN RAÚL FERREIRA
Ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See
I'm sure he also doesn't want to rush the decision because if the news isn't good, he'll put it off as long as possible because he wants to go, he really wants to go; you can tell he's eager to go. And I think that's the greatest blessing we have right now.
For now, preparations continue in the countries involved, as they await an official announcement confirming or canceling the historic visit.
James Haupt
