Buenos Aires lights up to welcome Pope Leo XIV. The Obelisk, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Argentine capital, was illuminated in honor of the Pontiff, who arrived in the country as part of his apostolic journey through Latin America, which also includes Uruguay and Peru. This symbolic gesture by the city celebrates a visit with deep historical and religious significance, especially since it takes place in the homeland of Pope Francis.
The arrival of Leo XIV marks the return of a Pope to Argentina after nearly forty years. The last papal visit was in 1987 when John Paul II toured the country, meeting millions of faithful. Since then, no Pope had made an apostolic journey to Argentina, not even Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires.
Leo XIV received a particularly warm welcome. The Pontiff landed on Sunday, November 8, at Jorge Newbery Airport in the capital, where President Javier Milei awaited him. The two exchanged a lengthy handshake at the foot of the airplane stairs before the official ceremony, which included the Argentine national anthem and military honors.
Along the streets of Buenos Aires, many citizens followed the papal motorcade, displaying flags, signs, and messages of welcome. This participation reflects the deep bond between the South American country and the Catholic Church, further strengthened by Jorge Mario Bergoglio's papacy.
Among the first official engagements was a tribute to General José de San Martín. Leo XIV visited Plaza San Martín, accompanied by Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, to pay homage to the monument dedicated to the leader of Argentina's independence and the armies that contributed to the liberation of several South American countries.
This moment of significant institutional value was followed by a meeting with President Milei at the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government.
In his address to the authorities, Pope Leo XIV focused on democracy, political responsibility, and the dignity of work. The Pontiff emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and turning political and cultural differences into opportunities for dialogue.
"Sharing a common heritage also requires learning to live together, even amidst differences of opinion," Leo XIV stated, reminding that history shows how a society can grow when diversity becomes a tool for dialogue rather than a cause for division.
The Pope then highlighted the value of democratic participation, the right to vote, freedom of expression, and respect for the law, describing them as fundamental assets that each generation must defend and strengthen.
Particularly noteworthy was his focus on the economy and social challenges. Addressing the Argentine authorities, Leo XIV reiterated a central principle of the Church's social doctrine: "The economy must serve the person, not the other way around."
The Pontiff expressed his thoughts for families facing economic uncertainty, the unemployed, the elderly, and those who, despite having a job, struggle to provide adequate living conditions for their loved ones.
He called for economic growth to extend beyond financial indicators and bring tangible benefits to the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The Pope's words carry special significance in the Argentine context, where debates on economic policies, public spending, and social protection have long been central to national political life.
Leo XIV then directed a message to those in positions of government responsibility. Authority, he explained, finds its highest meaning when it is exercised as a service to the community rather than merely wielding power.
"Those who exercise it also have the duty to act with prudence, to recognize the limits of the power entrusted to them, and to guide their decisions towards the good of the entire community," the Pontiff declared.
This statement was met with prolonged applause and interpreted as a general call for institutional responsibility, moderation, and the protection of the common good.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved