Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for a crowd of more than 2 million people outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Buenos Aires on Nov. 11, the final event of his visit to Argentina. (Foto: Instagram)
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for more than 2 million people gathered in the plaza outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Buenos Aires on Wednesday morning, Nov. 11. The service was the final event of his four-day visit to Argentina, which included tributes to Pope Francis, the first Argentine pope, as well as meetings with worshippers and officials.
Leo walked among the crowd after stepping out of the popemobile, greeting people before entering the basilica to change vestments. He then celebrated the Mass of Charity wearing a chasuble and mitre in the colors of Our Lady of Luján’s mantle, which are also the colors of Argentina’s flag. The attire differed from the traditional liturgical colors and drew attention from those attending.
In an emotional homily, Leo expressed gratitude for the visit. “I thank God for allowing me to meet this beloved people, a people who welcome everyone with open doors, share their bread and music, and always make room at the table, offer a good conversation over mate, and extend a hand to those in need,” he said.
Leo left Argentina at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday during a ceremony at Ezeiza International Airport, then boarded a flight to Lima, Peru’s capital. He was expected to arrive there later that afternoon. Peru is the final stop on his South American tour, which began in Uruguay on Nov. 6. He is scheduled to remain in Peru through Nov. 16, when he will conclude his itinerary and return to Rome. His arrival at the Vatican is expected the following day.
The trip to Peru is significant for Leo, who lived there for more than two decades and developed an important part of his religious career in the country. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he arrived in Peru in 1985 as a missionary with the Order of Saint Augustine. Over the years, he worked in pastoral activities and religious education.
In 2014, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, becoming a bishop in the region the following year. He also obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015. His itinerary begins in Lima, where he is due to meet with government officials, Church representatives and young people. On Thursday, Nov. 12, he is scheduled to meet with bishops and attend a vigil with students at the National Stadium.
On Friday, Nov. 13, Leo is set to travel to Chiclayo, where he will celebrate Mass in Pimentel and meet members of religious and university communities. Chiclayo was one of the main centers of his pastoral work in Peru.
