The apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina set two records that entered the historical records of the Catholic Church.
The masses he led at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján and at the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo ranked fourth and fifth among the largest papal celebrations in history.
According to official estimates, the farewell mass in Luján gathered 3.5 million people, while the celebration held in the City of Buenos Aires brought together 2.5 million faithful.
Pope Leo XIV.
Thus, the two religious activities of Leo XIV in the country positioned themselves within the top 5 worldwide and became the largest gatherings recorded in Argentine territory.
The ranking of the largest masses in history
The first place in the ranking remains with Pope Francis, who gathered between 6 and 7 million people during a mass celebrated at Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines, in 2015. That gathering occurred during his apostolic visit to the Asian country and set the historical record for attendance at a celebration led by a pontiff.
The second place also belongs to the Philippines. In 1995, John Paul II had gathered between 4.5 and 5 million faithful at Luneta Park in Manila during World Youth Day. Almost two decades later, Francis surpassed that mark with his massive celebration.
Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Palermo.
The third spot again belongs to the Argentine pope. In 2013, during World Youth Day held in Brazil, Francis led a mass on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, which gathered about 3.7 million people.
The two historic masses of Leo XIV in Argentina
The celebration that reached fourth place worldwide took place this Wednesday, November 11, in the square of the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján. According to official estimates, 3.5 million faithful participated in the mass that marked the end of the Pope's visit to the country before his departure to Peru.
During his homily, Leo XIV called on Argentines to "reconcile with their history and their present" and left one of the central phrases of his visit to the country: "Argentina, rise up and walk. Love!". He also emphasized inclusion and reminded that at Christ's table there is room for everyone.
Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Luján.
The fifth place went to the mass on Monday, November 9, at the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo. The ceremony gathered 2.5 million people and surpassed the gathering of approximately two million faithful that John Paul II had reached at the same location during his visit in 1982.
On that occasion, Leo XIV dedicated part of his message to the role of the family as a pillar of society and remembered his predecessor, Pope Francis, with a reference to his pastoral legacy in Buenos Aires.
With these two gatherings, Leo XIV's visit incorporated Argentina among the scenes of the five largest papal masses in history, with two celebrations that will be remembered by all Argentines.
