As Pope Leo XIV’s aircraft touched down in Córdoba this past weekend, Argentine singer Jairo transformed the arrival into a cinematic moment, performing Schubert’s Ave María for thousands of faithful gathered at the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA).
The artist, born in Cruz del Eje, delivered the performance as the papal flight completed its journey during a historic visit to the province.
Thousands of pilgrims had spent the night in vigil at the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones awaiting the arrival of the Pontiff. Jairo took the stage around 8:15 accompanied by Yaco González on percussion and Matías Martino on piano, offering a repertoire that featured religious songs and popular classics.
Jairo opened his performance with “El Credo” from the Misa Campesina Nicaragüense, later continuing through a selection of popular and folkloric Argentine music. His set included “Los peregrinos,” “Carpintería José,” Astor Piazzolla and Horacio Ferrer’s “Milonga del trovador,” Atahualpa Yupanqui’s “Piedra y Camino,” and Jorge Fandermole’s “Oración del remanso.”
Passing 8:40, the singer paused his set to address the assembled crowd. Es una gran felicidad estar con el Papa, una canción de esperanza, conocen la letra, les pido que la cantemos todos,
expressed Jairo before leading the audience in “Zamba de mi esperanza.”
As the clock neared 9 a.m. and the aircraft carrying Pope Leo XIV from Buenos Aires overflew the area, Jairo closed his appearance with the traditional Ave María of Schubert. The flight from Aeroparque had departed at 7:40 and touched down at 8:57 at the Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella International Airport, marking the commencement of the Pope’s visit and leading into a massive scheduled mass.
