BUENOS AIRES — Organizers finalizing preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s highly anticipated upcoming apostolic journey to Argentina have officially confirmed the comprehensive roster of local artists, musicians, and performers slated to take part in the historic events. Spanning four days from November 8 through 11, the itinerary will blend solemn liturgical celebrations with vibrant cultural displays, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the country.
According to the official announcement released on Tuesday, the expansive cultural program will feature over 600 choir singers and 200 musicians. The diverse lineup encompasses prominent popular and folk music soloists, acclaimed choral groups, contemporary Christian music artists, and traditional dance ensembles. These performers are set to grace the stages during major liturgical celebrations and community gatherings across Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Claypole, and Luján, with additional participant announcements expected as the dates draw nearer.
The careful curation of the artistic program underscores the Vatican and local organizers’ commitment to integrating Argentina’s deep-rooted musical traditions into the papal visit. From intimate community encounters to massive open-air Masses and youth vigils, music will serve as a central pillar of connection, celebration, and reflection throughout Pope Leo XIV’s time in the South American nation.
Music in Buenos Aires
The capital and its surrounding metropolitan area will host several key events featuring some of the nation’s most beloved musical acts. Celebrated singer-songwriter Abel Pintos is scheduled to headline the program on Monday, November 9. Pintos will perform during a deeply emotional meeting between Pope Leo XIV, service staff, and residents at the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione facility located in Claypole.
The gathering at the Claypole institution is designed to center around the vibrant community that supports, cares for, and assists individuals with disabilities. In a poignant collaborative moment, Pintos will sing alongside the institution’s resident choir, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the papal visit.
Later that same day, attention will shift toward the Monumento a los Españoles in the Palermo neighborhood, which will serve as the venue for a major papal Mass. A carefully selected group of artists will host the pre-Mass build-up and post-celebration events. This opening cultural segment features the traditional folklore duo Los Olmos, alongside prominent Catholic music artists Uriel Arcodaci, Athenas, Verónica Sanfilippo, and Magnificat, as well as the regional folk music group Corrientes Purajhei.
The afternoon schedule in Buenos Aires will also feature a performance by folk singer Agustín Day. He is set to perform during a significant gathering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), where the Pope will meet with labor union leaders, civil organizations, and representatives of various Christian denominations and other religious communities.
Lineup for the Nighttime Vigil
The cultural program will reach a dynamic crescendo on Tuesday evening at the Monumento de los Españoles in Palermo, which will host a grand nighttime vigil specifically tailored for young people. The high-energy event will feature an eclectic musical lineup bridging contemporary pop, traditional folklore, urban genres, and Catholic rock.
The youth vigil lineup includes acclaimed pop-folk artists Nahuel Pennisi, Maggie Cullen, and Tati Domínguez, alongside breakout cumbia star Valentino Merlo and urban pop singer Alan Madanes. Adding a modern digital element to the stage presence, content creator and streamer Lucas Rodríguez will also participate in the evening’s proceedings. Representing the contemporary Christian music scene, Catholic rock ensemble Banuev is set to deliver a high-energy performance for the thousands of young pilgrims expected to gather.
The grand youth event will be hosted by well-known journalists Sofía Martínez and Ignacio Girón. In addition to the musical acts, the program will feature a graceful and expressive performance by Maia Roldán’s ballet group, blending traditional Argentine dance forms with the contemporary themes of the youth gathering.
Loaded Lineups for Córdoba and Luján
As Pope Leo XIV extends his journey beyond the capital, the regional stops in Córdoba and Luján will feature equally impressive artistic rosters that celebrate the distinct cultural identities of Argentina’s interior.
The Pope’s arrival in Córdoba on Tuesday morning will be marked by a major vigil and Mass planned at the sprawling grounds of the Military Aviation School. Organizers have secured two of the most towering figures in Argentine popular music to headline the gathering: legendary folklore and ballad singer-songwriter Jairo, and renowned folklore icon Jorge Rojas. Their participation is expected to draw immense crowds and provide a deeply resonant cultural backdrop to the papal visit.
The extensive Córdoba lineup further features Catholic singer-songwriter José Luis Miralles, Christian rock and pop ensemble Ruah, liturgical ensemble Coro Agnes, and traditional folklore group Tradición Serrana. The diverse bill is rounded out by pop duo DUITO, alongside a robust contingent of Christian artists including Ignacio Sagala, Andrés Castellano, Toco Para Dios, Maxi Larghi, Pablo Martínez, Trinidad, and the sacred choral duo Cor Mariae.
The final stage of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey will take place in the historic city of Luján, where the Pontiff will celebrate a solemn Mass in the expansive square situated directly in front of the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Luján. True to the local significance of the site, the musical celebrations here will feature deep roots in the community.
Pop-folk singer—and proud Luján native—Luciano Pereyra will perform during both the vigil and the main Mass. Following the liturgical services, Pereyra will be joined on stage by a diverse collective of folk artists, including Hermanos Menta, Filocalia, Campedrinos, Santiago Tucumán, and Carafea. The musical performances in Luján will be visually complemented by the traditional choreography of the dance ensemble Ballet Sumampa, bringing the multi-day cultural and spiritual journey to a harmonious close.
