Pope Leo XIV invited 2.5 million people to an outdoor prayer ceremony in Buenos Aires on Monday, which local officials stated is the largest gathering during his papacy.
Widespread Attendance at the Prayer Ceremony
The crowd stretched for miles along Avenida del Libertador in the Argentine capital, with worshippers waving Vatican flags and shouting "Long live Pope Leo!" Pope Leo expressed his joy while passing through the crowd in the open papal car, saying, "Celebrating with you fills my heart with joy."
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The Pope's Message to President Milei
Pope Leo also sent a message to President Javier Milei during the ceremony, urging him to support vulnerable Argentinians. Before the event, he visited the Katolengo Don Orione care center for the disabled in Claypole, located south of Buenos Aires, and told the residents that their lives are a blessing, not a burden.
He added, "The progress of a nation is also measured by how it welcomes all individuals with disabilities and special needs."
These remarks came after the Pope's request on Sunday during a reception attended by Milei, where he called for economic growth to benefit those facing greater difficulties and urged leaders to be mindful in their speech and recognize the limits of their power.
National Holiday for the Pope's Visit
The Argentine government declared Monday a national holiday for the Pope's visit, allowing people to participate in the ceremony. President Milei and his sister Karina were also present at the event. In his speech, Pope Leo referred to families facing unemployment, violence, and addiction, describing them as the pillars of society.
This visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly four decades. Pope Leo, who is 71 years old, visited Uruguay before arriving in Argentina and is scheduled to travel to Peru on Wednesday, returning to Rome on November 17.
Pope Leo, the first pope born in America, has worked for years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, and the Vatican has described this trip as a "return home."
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