Pope Leo XIV expected to bring a potential economic impact of over US$500 million 

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Argentina could bring over US$500 million in economic activity, according to business chamber estimates.

The Pontiff will visit Argentina from November 8 to 11, with a four-day itinerary that takes him to various sites in Buenos Aires and Córdoba as part of a regional tour of South America.

A report by the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME), which analyzed economic activity in the area following the October 12 extended weekend, noted that 1,490,400 tourists traveled across the country, spending an average of AR$116,900 (US$75) per person per day.

With the scheduled activities surrounding the Pope’s visit drawing an estimated 7 million people, according to reports by Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, the calculation yields a potential economic impact of AR$818.3 billion (US$531.4 million), assuming a single day of spending per visitor. 

The calculation uses standard expenditures on lodging, transport, dining, and other tourism services as a reference, though actual outlay will depend on how many visitors stay for more than a day and how many make same-day round trips without staying overnight.

The Pope takes over Buenos Aires In the Buenos Aires city neighborhoods of Once and Flores, the Pope’s image has already begun to appear in shop windows and market stalls.

Businesses are gearing up to capitalize on the influx of the faithful by offering a wide range of religious merchandise and mementos, including items associated with the Pontiff. 

White and yellow Vatican pennants and flags, printed T-shirts, caps and even religious tourism packages are among the items on offer in religious-article stores and on e-commerce platforms. 

A T-shirt featuring Leo XIV’s face costs between AR$19,000 (US$12) and AR$36,000 (US$23), depending on the design, fabric, and print quality.

The phenomenon is not limited to specialized religious goods shops. 

Textile workshops, screen-printing shops, and small vendors are also looking to capitalize on the visit by offering garments that blend the Pontiff’s image with the colors of Argentina and the Vatican. 

There are even customized options for parishes and pilgrim groups attending the celebrations, complete with bulk discounts.

Flags and posters For those looking to take home a keepsake without spending too much, budget-friendly options start at much lower prices. 

On e-commerce markets, keychains featuring Leo XIV are listed for AR$3,900 (US$2.5), while religious-article stores sell packs of 10 commemorative prayer cards for AR$1,500 (US$0.97). At the other end of the spectrum, special commemorative visit medals hover around AR$25,000 (US$16)

Flags have their own niche as well. Publisher Editorial Santa María offers models themed around the Pope’s arrival for AR$5,000 (US$3.25) and AR$8,000 (US$5.20), depending on size. Posters, meanwhile, range from AR$4,000 (US$2.60) to AR$6,000 (US$3.90).

Preparations have also reached religious communities. 

According to the Argentine Catholic Information Agency (AICA), the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires made a graphic material kit available for AR$15,000 (US$9.75), tailored for parishes and groups participating in the events. 

The package includes 1,000 prayer cards for the visit, three large posters, and another 20 A3-sized posters.

Tourism surge and travel packages Days ahead of Leo XIV’s arrival, lodging and tour packages for the dates of the visit are already reported to be limited.

The various celebrations scheduled in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján have driven the organization of religious excursions, bus transfers, and accommodation packages for travelers coming from the interior of the country.

Published rates show differences based on distance and included services. 

Round-trip transfers to Luján start at AR$50,000 (US$32.50) per person, while excursions from towns like Junín and Chacabuco start at AR$58,000 (US$37.70) per person. 

Departures from Santa Fe and Entre Ríos start at AR$130,000 (US$84.50), and programs to Córdoba, including lodging, can exceed AR$250,000 (US$162.50) per passenger.

When it comes to accommodation searches, the figures have skyrocketed.

In Luján, searches jumped 1,803% year-on-year for the dates of the visit, while in Córdoba city they grew 398%. The surge in interest extended to nearby towns: General Rodríguez recorded a 1,354% rise and Alta Gracia a 399% increase.

Hotels were offering rooms starting at AR$300,000 (US$195.00) per night, while camping options hovered around AR$50,000 (US$32.50) per person per day.

In Córdoba, expectations in the hotel industry are equally high. 

The Hotel and Gastronomy Business Association of the Argentine Republic (AHRCC) anticipated near-total occupancy for the dates of the visit, with bookings extending over two or three nights in some cases.

Originally published in Ámbito