Argentina Papal Visit Runs to 11 Nov: Holidays, Crowds, Security for Travellers

Argentine authorities arrested a 49-year-old man accused of making death threats against Pope Leo XIV, detaining him just hours before the pontiff arrived in the country. The State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) said the arrest came less than 24 hours after officials received information about the threats.

Key facts

• The suspect is a 49-year-old man, arrested hours before the pope's arrival.
• The probe began on Friday afternoon after a report of a threatening phone call targeting the pope's life.
• Officers seized three mobile phones and a drone during a raid on a linked residence.
• Pope Leo XIV is due to remain in Argentina until 11 November, departing from Ezeiza International Airport for Lima, Peru.
• President Javier Milei declared the tour a matter of national interest and set up local holidays during the visit.

What happened?

The Federal Police's Counter-Terrorism Investigation Unit received an alert about a threatening phone call targeting the pope's life on Friday afternoon. Cyber and field investigators then identified a residence linked to the suspect.

The Argentine Federal Police carried out the operation on the orders of Judge Adrian Gonzalez Charvay of the Federal Court in Campana. SIDE said the arrest followed within a day of officials learning of the threats.

What was seized and what charges were filed?

During the raid, officers arrested the man and took three mobile phones, including the device allegedly used to make the call. They also seized a drone, whose operational capabilities are being examined.

The suspect has been provisionally charged with making anonymous threats and public intimidation with the intent to cause a security threat.

How does the papal visit affect travellers?

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday after visiting Montevideo, Uruguay. He is scheduled to stay in the country until 11 November, when he will leave from Ezeiza International Airport for Lima, Peru.

President Javier Milei declared the tour a matter of national interest and established local holidays during the visit to manage large public gatherings. The trip is the first papal visit to Argentina in 39 years.

What this means for travellers

Travellers in Argentina during the visit should expect local holidays and large public gatherings while the pope is in the country. Anyone with plans involving Ezeiza International Airport around 11 November may want to keep track of the pope's scheduled departure from that airport.

The investigation into the threatening call continues, with the seized drone's capabilities still being assessed.