Pope Leo conducted an outdoor Mass in Buenos Aires, drawing an estimated 1.5 million people. The visit represents the first time a pope has traveled to majority-Catholic Argentina since 1987. During the sermon, Leo expressed enthusiasm for the faithful but acknowledged the Church's losing ground to fast-growing evangelical denominations in the region.
The Vatican framed the trip as a 'homecoming' given Leo's missionary background in Peru. The 71-year-old pontiff is on an ambitious three-country tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Pope Leo XIV meets for over an hour with five abuse victims in Argentina and expresses his closeness and “desire to strengthen pathways of protection, goodness, welcome, and accompaniment within the Church." https://t.co/dH0HIoBBaX
Pope Leo said, 'It fills my heart with joy to celebrate … with you. My visit to this land of Argentina has allowed me to see on your faces the enthusiasm of your faith.' Claudia Pardo, a local resident, expressed, 'I love that (Leo) is visiting us. It’s a unique, historic moment, and we should listen to his message.' Alejandra Frias added, 'This is an emotional and spiritual moment.'
My visit to this land of Argentina has allowed me to see on your faces the enthusiasm of your faith.
The tour is described as one of the most demanding foreign trips in decades. Pope Leo is less than a month post-lung-cancer-surgery. The current papal tour includes 50 events across three countries: Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Pope Leo XIV absolutely loving this song about him in folk tradition of northern Argentina performed by Agustin Day, founder of the folk group Los del Portezuelo. You love to see this! https://t.co/KYw1Z2F7RC