Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Argentina with a spectacular mass, attended by an estimated two million faithful according to organizers. During the ceremony, he also honored his predecessor, Francis—who was born in Argentina but never returned to his homeland after becoming pope. The visit was characterized by calls for unity, solidarity, and support for the most vulnerable.
Millions Attend Papal Mass
The final public celebration by Leo XIV in Argentina took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luján. Estimates put the crowd for the mass at around two million, making it one of the largest gatherings of his pontificate to date.
During the service, the Pope urged Argentinians to pursue unity, forgiveness, and mutual reconciliation. He emphasized the importance of a society that does not forget about those living in poverty, the sick, migrants, or prisoners.
His message resonated in a country grappling with significant economic and social challenges. Leo XIV repeatedly reminded listeners that human dignity should never be judged by wealth or social status.
Leo XIV Pays Tribute to Predecessor Francis
A key aspect of the visit was paying homage to Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires. Before being elected Head of the Catholic Church, Francis served as Archbishop of the Argentine capital.
After his election as pope in 2013, Francis never returned to his native country. During his own visit, Leo XIV sought to symbolically continue Francis’s legacy in Argentina.
Leo XIV described Francis as “a beloved pope” and acknowledged his significance for the Catholic Church. He highlighted Francis’s focus on Catholic social teaching, aid to the poor, and protection of society’s marginalized.
For many Argentinians, Leo XIV’s visit also had an emotional dimension—it reminded them of a pope from their own homeland, who, however, never returned during his pontificate.
Pope Addresses Poverty and Social Challenges
Throughout his Argentine trip, Leo XIV repeatedly called attention to the situation of society’s most vulnerable. He advocated for protecting the poor, people with disabilities, those working in precarious conditions, and individuals in prison.
His words carried broader social and political implications. In a meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei, the Pope defended those most affected by austerity measures.
He urged that economic progress should not be the sole measure of a nation’s success. According to Leo XIV, societies must be judged by how they care for people in need.
During the visit, he also visited a facility for people with disabilities and met with survivors of clerical sexual abuse. He toured Devoto prison, where he spoke with inmates and called for a more humane approach toward prisoners.
Historic Visit After Nearly Four Decades
Leo XIV’s trip to Argentina was historic as no pope had visited the country since 1987, when John Paul II traveled there.
During his time in Argentina, Leo XIV held several important meetings and made a number of public appearances. One mass in Buenos Aires drew around 2.5 million people, according to local authorities—the largest gathering of his pontificate. Another estimated two million faithful attended the final mass at the Luján sanctuary.
Overall, more than six million people are estimated to have participated in events during his stay in Argentina.
After concluding the Argentine leg of his South American tour, the Pope continued to Peru, where he had previously served for many years as a missionary and bishop before being elected head of the Catholic Church. The journey thus had both religious and personal meaning for Leo XIV.
READ ALSO
- Pope Leo XIV: I am first and foremost the head of the Church, not an American pope. He spoke openly about migration.
- Pope Leo XIV faces lung surgery. Doctors to remove a nodule detected early.
- Pellegrini invites Pope Leo XIV to Slovakia, citing a major anniversary.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
