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Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Buenos Aires on Monday drew an unprecedented crowd for his papacy, with Buenos Aires officials reporting more than two million worshippers gathered for a vast public Mass along Avenida del Libertador. The Vatican placed the figure even higher at 2.5 million attendees. Pilgrims from across Argentina—some travelling more than 1,000 kilometres—camped overnight along the capital’s broad avenues to witness the pontiff, chanting his name and waving Vatican flags as giant screens broadcast his journey through the city.
The gathering took on added significance given the pontiff’s recent health challenges. At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery for lung cancer just three weeks before embarking on this demanding 12-day tour of Latin America, which includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Despite his recovery, the pontiff maintained a full schedule of public appearances and spiritual leadership.
During the Mass, Leo spoke to the faithful about Christian family life, describing it as "a pillar" amid modern uncertainties and encouraging parents to nurture faith through prayer, forgiveness and listening. He also paid emotional tribute to his Argentine predecessor, Pope Francis, whom he called "our beloved" pope. The pontiff’s remarks reflected themes he has emphasised throughout his Argentine visit, including calls for unity and social concern.
Beyond the main Mass, Leo visited the Pequeno Cottolengo Don Orione de Claypole, a 50-hectare charitable complex in a Buenos Aires suburb that serves abandoned people with disabilities. There, he challenged prevailing attitudes, declaring that disabled people are "not a burden on society" but "a blessing." He further stated that a nation’s true progress should be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, and criticised societies "driven solely by the pursuit of economic success or the cult of outward appearance."
According to the Jamaica Observer’s reporting via AFP, Leo’s comments on social welfare and economic priorities have contrasted with the libertarian policies and spending cuts pursued by Argentine President Javier Milei. The pontiff’s emphasis on protecting assistance programmes and upholding dignity for marginalised groups touches on sensitive debates within Argentina, where disability organisations and Church leaders have expressed concern over austerity measures affecting vulnerable populations.
The papal visit has energised Argentina, with vendors selling merchandise bearing Leo’s image and his likeness appearing on local pastries and food products. The trip marks the first papal visit to Argentina in decades, underscoring the historic nature of Leo’s journey through his former missionary territories in Latin America.
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago-born pontiff, was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church and has now embarked on his first trip to Latin America as pope. The tour takes him through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop before his election to the papacy. The Pequeno Cottolengo complex he visited is a 50-hectare Catholic charitable institution founded by an Italian saint and is recognised by the Vatican as a "city of charity."
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru (6 – 17 November 2026)
- More than two million greet Pope in Buenos Aires
- Pope does not need further treatment after lung cancer surgery
- More than 2 million attend Pope Leo XIV's first mass in Argentina
- Two million faithful greet Pope in Buenos Aires
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