Don Orione Cottolengo prepares for Pope Leo XIV visit

The Don Orione Cottolengo in Claypole, located in the Almirante Brown district of Buenos Aires province, is preparing for a visit from Pope Leo XIV scheduled for the morning of Monday, November 9, 2026.

The 50-hectare facility houses more than 400 residents with various disabilities. The institution operates as a community consisting of 16 homes, a therapeutic educational center, workshops, a sanctuary, and specialized care units. Staff and residents emphasize a model of social integration and respect, noting that they refer to individuals as residents rather than patients to uphold their dignity and rights.

The upcoming papal visit has prompted discussions regarding the institution's operations. In response to social media allegations concerning the treatment and confinement of residents, staff members have defended the facility, describing it as a vibrant community focused on inclusion. The visit is expected to highlight the rights of people with disabilities and the needs of marginalized populations.