The 3 Marian shrines that Pope Leo XIV will visit during his trip to South America

The shrines dedicated to the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Our Lady of Luján, and Our Lady of Peace are part of Pope Leo XIV’s itinerary through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, respectively.

Two of these devotions are linked to the history of South American independence, while the third was a source of inspiration for Robert Prevost during his years as bishop of Chiclayo.

These are not three identical stops. In Florida, Uruguay, and Luján, Argentina, the Holy Father will celebrate the Eucharist. In Chiclayo, however, the program includes a meeting with bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and pastoral workers.

All three locations, however, share something in common: They are places where the history of their respective peoples is intertwined with faith in the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

Our Lady of the Thirty-Three and Uruguayan nationhood The first stop will be in Florida, a city linked to one of the decisive episodes in Uruguayan history. It is home to the National Shrine of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Uruguayʼs patroness, whose image is associated with a tradition concerning the nation’s independence.

Cathedral Basilica of Florida, National Shrine of the…