Pope Leo XIV held his largest gathering on Monday in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, with approximately 2.5 million attendees. This event is recognized as the largest gathering during his papacy, with a large crowd standing along Avenida del Libertador to watch.
Pope's Speech and Social Messages
The crowd welcomed him with Vatican flags and chanting "Long live Pope Leo!" In his speech, Pope Leo said, "Celebrating with you fills my heart with joy." He warned President Javier Milei that support for the vulnerable sectors of society is essential and visited a care center for the disabled that is facing challenges due to cuts in social and health services.
Read more: Train accident in Egypt leaves several dead and injured
Criticism of Milei's Economic Policies
Before the ceremony, Pope Leo visited the Cottolengo Don Orione care center in Claypole, south of Buenos Aires. He told the residents that their lives are a blessing, not a burden, and emphasized that economic success is not the only measure of a country's progress. He added, "The progress of a nation is also measured by how it welcomes all individuals with special needs."
These remarks came after a welcoming ceremony attended by Milei. The Pope referred to the most vulnerable members of society and called for economic growth that benefits those facing serious challenges. He also urged leaders to be careful with their word choices and to be mindful of the limits of their power.
Milei, who took office about three years ago, has reduced services for the disabled and resisted the implementation of a law that would provide more funding for their care. Although Congress has overridden Milei's veto in 2025, the Argentine Senate is set to review the budget for the disabled for the upcoming year in the coming days.
Many participants waited overnight by the Monumento a los Espanoles, where Pope John Paul II held his last prayer ceremony in Argentina in 1987. Monday was declared a national holiday so that people could attend the event. Milei and his sister Karina were also present at the gathering.
Pope Leo referred in his speech to families facing issues such as job instability, violence, and addiction, describing them as the pillars of society. This trip marks the first visit of a pope to Argentina in nearly four decades. His predecessor, Pope Francis, despite being born in Argentina, never returned to his homeland during his papacy.
Pope Leo, 71, had traveled to Uruguay before arriving in Argentina and is scheduled to go to Peru on Wednesday, returning to Rome on November 17. As the first pope born in the United States, he has worked for years in Peru as a missionary and priest. The Vatican has described this trip to South America as a "return home."
This challenging trip comes less than a month after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung.
Read more: Trump administration assessed immigrant deportation policy harshly for voters · Argentina's exports reached a record 10 billion dollars in September
