For three days, crowds were moved by the messages of unity, the memory of Francis and the call for a more supportive society left by the Supreme Pontiff
The visit to the Devoto prison and the farewell in Luján
Wednesday began with a visit to the Federal Penitentiary Complex of Buenos Aires, where Leo XIV listened to the testimonies of two detainees and a man who had regained his freedom.
“A new life is possible,” he noted during the meeting.
He then moved to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján to celebrate his last mass in the country.
The Holy See reported an attendance of over two million people, while estimates released by Argentine media raised the attendance to 3.5 million.
During the homily, the Pope especially remembered Francisco, called for reconciliation, and urged the construction of a future marked by forgiveness and solidarity.
“Argentina, rise up and walk,” he proclaimed before the faithful.
After the ceremony, Leo XIV headed to Ezeiza International Airport to continue his apostolic journey to Peru.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Argentina concluded this Wednesday, November 11, after four days marked by massive celebrations, emotional encounters, and messages of hope. Since his arrival on Sunday, the Supreme Pontiff traveled to various parts of the country and interacted with workers, youth, people with disabilities, religious figures, and detainees.
The trip was part of an apostolic tour that began in Uruguay and will continue in Peru. During his time in Argentina, millions of people participated in the activities and gathered in the streets to greet him.
The emotional meeting of Leo XIV at the Cottolengo of Claypole
One of the most moving moments occurred on Monday, November 9, at the Little Cottolengo Don Orione of Claypole, where the Pontiff spent a day with residents, families, workers, and volunteers.
There, he listened to the testimonies of Marta and Norma, two women connected with the institution. He also witnessed a musical performance by Abel Pintos, who sang The Key accompanied by musicians and choristers.
During his speech, the Pope emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity of people with disabilities.
“Their lives are not a burden to society; they are a blessing,” he expressed.
Additionally, he called on Argentinians to develop charitable works and strengthen support spaces for those facing vulnerable situations.
The message about work and the economy
That same Monday, Leo XIV led a massive mass at the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo, and later participated in a meeting with representatives from the labor world at the Catholic University of Argentina.
During that activity, he defended the dignity of work and recalled the principles of the Church's social doctrine.
“The economy must serve the person, and not the person serve the economy,” he affirmed.
The Pontiff also addressed the responsibility of entrepreneurs, workers, and institutions to create working conditions that allow for personal and family development.
The historic mass in Córdoba and his meeting with religious figures
On Tuesday, November 10, Leo XIV traveled to Córdoba and celebrated a mass before about 650,000 people, according to estimates from local authorities released by the Vatican.
He later met with priests, seminarians, religious figures, and pastoral agents at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
During his speech, he remembered Mama Antula, Father Brochero, and Pope Francis, and highlighted the importance of keeping the religious vocation alive.
“These are the hands that Jesus is looking for,” he expressed while addressing those present.
One million youth and a message of hope in Palermo
That night, the Pope returned to Buenos Aires to lead a vigil that gathered around one million young people at the Monument to the Spaniards.
During the meeting, he warned about false idols related to money, success, and appearances, and invited the new generations to come closer to the Church.
“There is a place for you in the Church!” he assured.
He also directed a message to those going through difficult situations.
“No one has fallen so low that Christ cannot lift them up,” he stated before the crowd.
