Pope Leo XIV called upon Argentines on Tuesday to emulate the holy examples set by the nation’s most prominent saints. An estimated 650,000 people gathered in the central city of Córdoba to attend the mass, marking a significant religious event for the region. This service followed a massive turnout on Monday in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, where an estimated 2.5 million people assembled to see the Pope.
The Pope’s visit to Córdoba, chosen for its central location, was particularly notable as the city had not hosted a papal visit in nearly 40 years. Faithful from across the entire country traveled for hours to attend, arriving from the far north, the southern region of Patagonia, and various points between. Among the saints highlighted by the Pope were St. José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, often referred to as the “Gaucho priest,” and “Mama Antula,” who became Argentina’s first female saint in 2024. Both were canonized by Pope Francis.
Reflecting on the importance of the saints, the Pope stated, “We are all called to holiness. These saints and blessed have already fulfilled their mission on Earth. Today, it is our turn to follow the radiant example of holiness they have left with us.” Following the mass, the Pope surprised the attendees with a brief appearance on the balcony of the archbishop’s residence in downtown Córdoba. This was the same balcony utilized by St. John Paul II during his 1987 visit to the city. As the crowd chanted “León, León,” he addressed them, saying, “United, we can do anything.”
The journey to attend the mass was significant for many, including Erika Viñales, 39, and Elena Llanquenao, 54. These religious education teachers from the Santa Cruz province in Patagonia traveled over 2,000 kilometres to participate. The Córdoba service serves as a precursor to a final mass scheduled for Wednesday in Luján, which will mark the Pope’s departure from Argentina to travel to Peru. The Pope, also known as Robert Francis Prevost, shared on his X account that his arrival in Argentina held a particular meaning, noting that for twelve years, the universal Church listened to the voice of Pope Francis, who carried the faith and people of these places in his heart.
Attendees expressed profound emotion regarding the visit. Romeo Armando, a university student, remarked that to touch heaven with one's hands is to feel close to it in one's own flesh. Retired Argentine resident Rosa Acevedo added that she felt her heart was full of blessings. Earlier in his tour, the Pope warned in Uruguay about the risks of “dehumanisation” linked to artificial intelligence, urging educational institutions to prioritize the human element over algorithms. Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Peru, where the papal plane was blessed in Lima, and a giant statue of the Pope has been unveiled in the port city of Callao, located about 15 km from Lima. The Pope, who was born in the United States, holds Peruvian nationality and is returning to the country where he spent many years as a missionary and bishop.
