President Laura Fernández announces Vatican and Spain mission

President Laura Fernández Delgado is scheduled for an 11-day international mission from October 27 to November 6, 2026. The itinerary includes a visit to Vatican City for a private audience with the Pope and a meeting with the Cardinal Secretary of State, as well as attendance at the XXX Ibero-American Summit in Madrid, Spain.

The official delegation consists of seven public officials, including the Director of the President's Office, the Chief of Staff for the First Gentleman, and members of the communications team. The mission involves allocated public funds for airfare and per diems.

Separately, President Fernández addressed questions regarding a photograph taken with producer Hugo Benavides Barboza. Barboza was recently detained on suspicion of money laundering related to drug trafficking. Fernández clarified that the photo was taken in March during a Grupo Firme concert while she was President-elect and Minister of the Presidency. She stated she did not know Barboza personally and was invited to the event through the Vice President to receive a recognition for administrative simplification efforts.