Pope fever hits Patagonia as thousands-mile pilgrimage begins

Setting off on long journeys from Argentina's least populated regions to see Pope Leo (© ACN)

Many Catholics in Argentina have been travelling for thousands of miles in the hope of meeting the Pope in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As Pope Leo XIV stepped foot in Argentina on Sunday (8th November), pilgrims from one of the country's most isolated regions, Patagonia, were embarking on an extraordinary journey across vast plains, mountains and desert landscapes for the chance to see him in person.

Hundreds of believers are setting off on journeys of more than 1,243 miles (2,000 kilometres) and up to 36 hours on buses to reach Buenos Aires and Córdoba.

Bishop Roberto Álvarez of Rawson told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): "The desire to meet the successor of Peter, to be confirmed in the Faith and encouraged in the mission is what motivates so many of us to go."

The three dioceses of Chubut Province, deep in Argentine Patagonia, have organised seven buses carrying young people, priests and religious sisters to events with Pope Leo. Some passengers will travel more than 1,367 miles (2,200 kilometres), undertaking a journey longer than the distance between London and Athens.

But for Bishop Roberto, the pilgrimage is about more than reaching its destination. He said: "Distance isolates you, but it also challenges you to encounter others."

Patagonia covers a huge swathe of southern Argentina and is among the most sparsely populated regions in the country. Communities are often separated by hundreds of miles, making even ordinary Church ministry a challenge.

The Diocese of Rawson, established only in 2023, is considered mission territory. Priests, religious Sisters and catechists regularly travel vast distances to visit scattered rural communities and Indigenous populations.

During winter, temperatures can plunge to minus 20 degrees Celsius, adding another obstacle to pastoral work. Yet Bishop Roberto believes these hardships have fostered a spirit of resilience and solidarity. He said: "Patagonians choose to take up the challenge and meet one another."

That determination is now being channelled towards Pope Leo's visit, which has generated excitement across Argentina. Although the country gave the Church Pope Francis, it has not hosted a papal visit for almost 30 years.

Beyond the religious significance, many Church leaders hope the Pope can help heal divisions in a nation grappling with political and social tensions.

Argentina remains "a very fragmented country", Bishop Roberto said, expressing hope that Pope Leo can help "disarm words and build bridges".

He added: "I would love the lasting legacy of the Pope's visit to be a significant reduction in the level of conflict in political dialogue."

His hope is that different groups, even while holding different visions for the nation's future, can find common ground.

Bishop Roberto already knows what he would say if he had the chance to speak to Pope Leo personally.

"If I could say one thing to the Pope, I would ask him not to forget us and to visit Patagonia one day."

ACN supports the Church's vital pastoral ministry in Chubut's remote communities, providing fuel, food, accommodation costs and heating during harsh winters when temperatures can fall below zero.

With thanks to Maria Lozano.

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org