Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Argentina is generating interest among political, business and union sectors seeking meetings with the pontiff. Social movements grouped in the Union of Popular Economy Workers (UTEP) and the Argentine Federation of Cardboard Collectors, Carters and Recyclers (FACCyR) were the first to formalise their intention. Through a letter sent on the 5th of this month to Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, the organisations requested a meeting with the Pope and proposed that he visit a popular neighbourhood or a recycling centre.
UTEP general secretary Alejandro Gramajo and FACCyR general secretary Sergio Sánchez stated in the letter that Leo XIV would have "the historic opportunity to meet with those who daily represent the three Ts: Land, Housing and Work". The leaders also expressed concern about the current situation, indicating that "in Argentina and in much of our region, popular movements are being deeply hit" and that "experiences of self-managed work, cooperatives, processes of urban integration" are being weakened or dismantled.
In parallel, from the business sector, especially SMEs, and from various union groups, progress is being made on a possible joint statement of adherence to the Church's Social Doctrine to present to the Pope. A meeting between business leaders, unionists and popular movements could be held on the UCA campus in Puerto Madero, although there is the complication of reaching agreements between sectors with different interests and the fear of some business people of economic reprisals if criticisms are made about the country's situation.
The Church seeks to avoid politicisation of the papal visit. According to ecclesiastical sources, the dividing line between concepts on social issues and partisan intent is very narrow, since social actors will not be able to ignore their daily reality. The Pope will be in Argentina from 8 to 11 November, preceded by a visit to Uruguay from the 6th and followed by Peru until the 17th. Meetings are expected with civil society authorities, business people and workers, young people, and visits to Córdoba and Luján, although the final programme will be confirmed in the coming days following a second Vatican advance team visit.