Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass with 2.5 million people in Buenos Aires on November 9, marking the largest crowd of his pontificate and the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years.
The visit, which began on November 6 and includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, highlights the pontiff’s return to a region where he served for nearly 20 years as a missionary and bishop.
Social Doctrine in a Divided Nation
In his first speech to President Javier Milei and government authorities at the Palacio Libertad, Pope Leo addressed a history of both gratitude and painful memories, according to Aljazeera. He emphasized that every generation must discern what to preserve and how to address past injustices.
Throughout his stay, the pope has repeatedly challenged the government to foster a more inclusive economy, protect trade unions, and reverse funding cuts impacting the poor and those with disabilities.
Addressing representatives of the world of work at the Catholic University of Argentina, the pope drew upon the social teaching of the Church to argue that economic systems must prioritize the human person. He warned that when profit becomes the sole criterion for success, businesses risk becoming dehumanized structures of sin that generate exclusion.
The way we live out our vocation is what evangelizes. Neither age nor physical limitations can extinguish our zeal. Our strength may run out, but God’s power never will. #ApostolicJourney #Argentina https://t.co/Ev3sFVV3lW
During a session at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where he prayed before a plaque dedicated to his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo reflected on the role of religion as a guardian of human dignity and a cultivator of hope.
Cottolengo Don Orione and the Struggle for Care
On November 9, the pope visited the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, a facility founded in 1936 that provides care for approximately 410 adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. During the visit, the pope embraced Marta Griselda Torres, a resident born with cerebral palsy, after she presented him with a book about her life.
The Saints and Blesseds have already fulfilled their mission on earth. Today it is our turn to follow the shining path of holiness they have left us. Open your hearts and, with God’s grace, go and be saints: at school and in the town square, in your families and with your…
The facility’s coordinator, Fernando Montero, noted that the home is currently owed roughly a year of public funding, with authorities having provided only about $535,000—sufficient to cover four months. The matter of these funding cuts remains in court.
“[The government] cut off the supply of medications, special foods and diapers,” said the facility's coordinator, Fernando Montero.
The pope’s outreach to the vulnerable has resonated deeply with many citizens. For some observers, the pope has become a singular global voice speaking out against the dehumanization of the poor.
Pilgrimage and History in Córdoba
On November 10, the pope traveled to the industrial city of Córdoba, 430 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, to celebrate Mass on the grounds of a military aircraft factory (FAdeA). The event drew an estimated 650,000 people.
The liturgy was delayed by 15 minutes as the pope stopped to personally attend to an individual in the section reserved for people with disabilities. In his homily, he urged citizens to evangelize in every sphere of life—from the office to the family—and to follow the example of Argentina’s saints, including St. José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero.
The visit to Córdoba also served as a moment for addressing the country’s history of state violence. The pope met privately with 20 individuals selected by the local archdiocese, including Alba Camargo.
Camargo, whose father, stepmother, aunt, and uncle disappeared during the 1976–1983 military dictatorship, provided the pope with documentation regarding ongoing excavations at La Perla, a former clandestine detention center. She sought his support on behalf of families still searching for the remains of their loved ones.
A Regional Homecoming
The apostolic journey, which began in the highly secularized nation of Uruguay, reflects the pope’s long-standing connection to South America. Having spent nearly 20 years in Peru, where he holds citizenship, the pope views the final leg of his trip as a homecoming.
Crowds stretched for miles along Buenos Aires’ Avenida del Libertador as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in Argentina. Officials said the open-air service drew a record 2.5 million people. It was the largest event so far of the pope’s 12-day South American tour, and of… pic.twitter.com/KctG6L6ZyQ
As the trip approaches its conclusion on November 17, the pope continues to emphasize the importance of spiritual care. Recalling the teachings of Pope Francis, he reminded pastoral workers that the Church is not merely a humanitarian organization but is sent to bring Christ to the world.
Before departing for Peru, the pope is scheduled to visit the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Luján, the patroness of Argentina, to entrust the local Church to her care.
Earlier coverage: Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Argentina After Uruguay Visit
Huge crowds greet Pope Leo XIV as he rides through Buenos Aires in the popemobile before celebrating Holy Mass near the Monumento de los Españoles during his Apostolic Journey to Argentina. Follow Pope Leo's trip to South America at https://t.co/Y3UE0Ustw8 pic.twitter.com/PEGutWCg6p
More on Buenos Aires
In these tents next to the site of Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Buenos Aires, 500,000 already-consecrated hosts were kept under watch from 5:30 a.m. today, ready to be distributed during the celebration. Mass had not yet begun, and Argentinians were already kneeling before the… pic.twitter.com/rYJ1IoBwnq