About a month remains before the pope’s November trip, while fundraising has yet to produce major public donations. Confirmed companies, government agencies and in-kind contributions are helping cover costs, LA NACION reported.
The Argentine Episcopal Conference is speaking with businesspeople about donations and in-kind support for the visit. Several sources involved in organizing the trip told LA NACION that fundraising has yet to bring in large sums. Costs are substantial, they said. The Vatican’s share alone is estimated at nearly $30 million.
Some businesspeople with long-standing ties to the Church may contribute again. The Episcopal Conference said talks with some potential donors remain at an early stage. LA NACION named Marcos Bulgheroni, Eduardo Eurnekian and Jorge Brito among those who may be approached. No personal contributions from them have been publicly confirmed.
The visit’s official website lists companies that have confirmed support: Santander, Edenor, Edemsa, Mercedes-Benz, Establecimiento Metalúrgico GCD, Dolmen Buenos Aires Hotel, Hoopla and Mercado McCann. Some organizations are also providing services and supplies.
Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Argentina from November 8 to 11, with stops in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján. A Mass in Luján is planned for the final day. Millions attended a pilgrimage there last weekend. Estimates differed: LA NACION reported 2.5 million people, while El País cited a Buenos Aires provincial government estimate of 2.7 million.
The Church is also relying on support that does not involve cash. Champagnat and Nuestra Señora de Luján schools have agreed to accommodate pilgrims, priests and religious groups travelling from other regions. State-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas will cover flights from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Lima. Toyota is preparing two popemobiles for use in Buenos Aires and Córdoba provinces.
Businesspeople have previously helped with church facilities. Mario Montoto and Alejandro Roemmers financed renovations to the nunciature in the Recoleta district, where the pope will stay. Local authorities and private contractors will also provide some of the equipment for the international broadcast, LA NACION reported.
The city of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires province and Córdoba will each pay their own expenses. The national government will cover security and provide broadcast equipment. Production services will be supplied by MediaHub SA, a private company that won a government contract through a tender.
Papal visits are generally financed in roughly equal shares by the Vatican, private donors, governments and businesses, and sales of merchandise. Argentine organizers are cautious about fundraising amid limited resources and worry that some souvenir sales could shift to unofficial vendors.