Pope Leo XIV drew over three million people to Argentina’s Basilica of Lujan, marking the emotional centerpiece of his tour.
Pilgrims climbed fences, barriers, trees, and lampposts to catch a glimpse of the 71-year-old pope, chanting “thank you Leo!” as he led mass.
The visit to the nation’s holiest shrine stands out because his predecessor, Francis, never managed to return home to Argentina as pope. The US-born pontiff maintained the grueling travel schedule despite undergoing surgery for lung cancer less than a month ago, refusing to reschedule the trip.
“Thank you, Argentina, for welcoming me with open arms,” the pope said as he bid farewell to the thronging crowd, which represented the largest gathering of his entire tour.
Throughout his time in the country, Pope Leo repeatedly called for a more inclusive economy and stronger protections for vulnerable populations. Observers widely interpreted these remarks as pointed criticism directed at the aid-slashing policies of President Javier Milei.
The pope insisted during his stay that “there is room for everyone, especially the neediest: the poor and hungry, migrants, the sick and prisoners.” He reinforced this message by wearing a white-and-sky-blue robe associated with the Virgin of Lujan, mirroring the exact colors of the Argentine flag.
Deep social and political divisions manifested openly within the crowds gathered to see him. One distinct group unfurled a banner carrying the clear demand: “Land, housing and work for the people.”
Leo XIV arrived in Luján for the Mass in honour of Our Lady of Luján, patroness of Argentina, and made his way towards the altar through a sea of faithful. The popemobile wound slowly along the packed avenues towards the great neo-Gothic basilica; then the Pope stepped down and… pic.twitter.com/lG1NhIvsY0
“Everything that helps society is welcome. People were deeply moved, I was deeply moved. With everything that is happening in the country, it will always be welcome,” said pilgrim Estela Adorno, 76, describing how the papal message resonated across a divided populace.
Volunteers moved through the swelling crowds under the spring sun to hand out water, while inside the basilica, musicians prepared for the service. Nora Jauregui, a 61-year-old retired music teacher and choir member, described performing at the mass as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
“It is a unique opportunity, full of emotion. From the moment we were told we would participate, through preparing the repertoire and these final days of rehearsals, there has been so much shared excitement,” Jauregui told RTÉ.
Prior to the mass at Lujan, Pope Leo traveled to Buenos Aires’ Devoto prison. There, he addressed roughly 75 inmates and their family members gathered inside the prison gymnasium.
Leo XIV, celebrating Mass in honour of Our Lady of Luján in front of her basilica, turned his thoughts in his homily to Pope Francis, who always carried Argentina's patroness in his heart. "He taught us through his life, always to love and venerate her," the Pope said. "He… pic.twitter.com/MCtlAJgCCq”
“Human beings often flourish through limits rather than despite them,” the pope told the inmates, acknowledging the inherent hardships of prison life and the sleepless nights spent thinking of loved ones.
From Argentina, the pontiff departs for Peru, where he will visit the Amazon, the Andean city of Cuzco at an altitude of 3,400 meters, and the northern city of Chiclayo, where he spent a decade serving as bishop.
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Leo XIV was greeted once again by huge crowds, this time in Luján, where the faithful lined the avenues leading to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, waving flags as the popemobile made its way through them. On his last day in Argentina, the Pope came to the Marian heart of the… pic.twitter.com/g71eibeNOx
Leo XIV offered the Golden Rose to Our Lady of Luján today, laying it at the feet of the small statue of the Patroness of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay at her shrine. It is an ancient papal gift that Popes bestow on the great Marian shrines, and on his last day in Argentina the… pic.twitter.com/PrsZ24wh2A
