Argentina welcomes Pope Leo XIV, who embarks on a visit blending diplomacy, faith, and remembrance. The pontiff arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday, November 8, after completing the first leg of his apostolic journey in Uruguay, and was received by President Javier Milei.
The arrival holds special significance for the Catholic Church. For twelve years, the South American country had a direct connection with the Vatican through Pope Francis, the first Argentine pope in history, who never returned to his homeland during his pontificate.
Leo XIV chose to highlight this legacy in his speech to Argentine authorities, presenting the visit as an opportunity to engage with a community undergoing profound economic and social changes.
His words extended beyond religious matters, addressing key issues for the country's future: the quality of institutions, the education of new generations, the fight against organized crime, and the need to maintain national cohesion.
Link to Arrival in Buenos Aires and meeting with Javier MileiArrival in Buenos Aires and meeting with Javier Milei
The papal plane landed at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires at 4:33 PM local time on Sunday, November 8. President Javier Milei was there to greet Leo XIV at the foot of the stairs.
After military honors, national anthems, and greetings from the delegations, the two had a brief private meeting.
The pontiff then went to Plaza San Martín, where he laid a wreath at the monument dedicated to General José de San Martín and the armies of Argentine independence, observing a moment of reflection.
The visit continued at the Casa Rosada, the presidential office, with the official welcome ceremony. Leo XIV and Milei met privately again after the official photo and the traditional exchange of gifts.
No details of the private conversation were disclosed. The most significant public moment came later at the Palacio Libertad, where the Pope met with authorities, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps.
Link to Remembering Pope Francis and a symbolic return to his homelandRemembering Pope Francis and a symbolic return to his homeland
The most notable part of the speech was dedicated to Pope Francis.
Leo XIV recalled the connection between Bergoglio and Argentina, emphasizing how his predecessor brought the religious, cultural, and human experience from the South American country to Rome.
The new pontiff explained that the visit symbolically represents a reverse journey: while Francis left Buenos Aires to assume the Petrine ministry, his successor now reaches the land where that vocation flourished.
The reference to Bergoglio also became an opportunity to reflect on Argentine identity, built through the contributions of indigenous peoples, local communities, and generations of immigrants who found a new home in the country.
Leo XIV stressed the need to recognize this diversity as an integral part of national history, avoiding divisions based on differences.
Link to The message to politics: strong institutions and the fight against corruptionThe message to politics: strong institutions and the fight against corruption
In his address, the Pope devoted significant attention to the responsibilities of those in governance.
He reminded that the strength of institutions depends not only on laws but also on the personal integrity of those entrusted with public roles.
Corruption, he emphasized, undermines citizens' trust and diverts resources that could be used for the common good.
The pontiff also called for international cooperation against organized crime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.
It was not a direct attack on the Milei government but a general reminder of the principles that should guide democratic institutions.
The Pope's words hold particular significance in the Argentine context, which has seen intense debate in recent years about the role of the state, economic policies, and resource distribution.
Link to The Pope among the most vulnerable: visit to Cottolengo Don OrioneThe Pope among the most vulnerable: visit to Cottolengo Don Orione
On Monday, November 9, Leo XIV visited the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, a facility dedicated to assisting people with disabilities and those in vulnerable conditions.
According to authorities, about one hundred thousand people accompanied the pontiff's journey, with three thousand welcoming him upon arrival.
Leo XIV listened to testimonies from two residents, met with staff and volunteers, and prayed before the relic of the heart of Saint Luigi Orione, an Italian priest who left a significant legacy of care in Argentina.
In his address, he criticized a societal view that measures people's worth solely by economic success and physical appearance.
He reminded that a nation's progress is also recognized by its ability to embrace those living with disabilities and ensure dignity, relationships, and opportunities for all.
This message echoes the focus on the marginalized, a key theme of Francis's pontificate.
Link to Two and a half million faithful at the Buenos Aires massTwo and a half million faithful at the Buenos Aires mass
The most popular moment occurred on Monday morning when Leo XIV celebrated mass near the Monument to the Spaniards in Buenos Aires' Palermo neighborhood.
According to local authorities, about two and a half million faithful attended the celebration.
The pontiff passed through the crowd in an open car before leading the liturgy and delivering the homily to one of the largest assemblies of his South American journey.
The participation confirms the deep bond between Argentina and the Catholic Church, as well as the attention given to the visit of Bergoglio's successor.
The event held special significance for a population that, during Francis's pontificate, did not have the opportunity to welcome their compatriot as Pope.
Link to Youth, education, and the future of ArgentinaYouth, education, and the future of Argentina
Among the priorities highlighted by Leo XIV is the education of new generations.
In his address to the authorities, the pontiff recalled Argentina's educational tradition and the importance of strengthening schools, universities, vocational training, and research.
In his view, education is not just a means to access employment but a necessary condition for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the country's growth.
The Pope urged institutions to create opportunities that allow new generations to envision their future in Argentina without feeling compelled to seek fulfillment elsewhere.
He also emphasized the value of cooperation among South American countries, especially in managing natural resources, energy, knowledge, and migration phenomena.
Link to Upcoming stops: Córdoba, youth, and the Luján sanctuaryUpcoming stops: Córdoba, youth, and the Luján sanctuary
The Argentine visit will continue on Tuesday, November 10, with a stop in Córdoba, where Leo XIV will celebrate mass at the Military Aviation School's esplanade and meet with priests, religious, and pastoral workers.
In the evening, a vigil with young people is scheduled at the Monument to the Spaniards in Buenos Aires.
On Wednesday, November 11, the pontiff will visit a federal penitentiary complex and reach the national shrine of Our Lady of Luján, one of the country's main Marian devotion sites.
This will be a particularly significant event, also remembering Pope Francis, who had a deep connection with the Virgin of Luján.
On the afternoon of November 11, Leo XIV will leave Argentina for Peru, the final stop of the apostolic journey, which will conclude on November 17.
Link to A journey in the spirit of Francis, but with a message for the presentA journey in the spirit of Francis, but with a message for the present
Leo XIV's visit marks a historic moment for Argentina, but it is not solely a tribute to his predecessor.
The pontiff chose to address institutions, religious communities, young people, and the most vulnerable, emphasizing collective responsibility as a necessary tool to tackle the country's challenges.
The meeting with Javier Milei marked the diplomatic moment of the visit, while public engagements focused on social and human issues.
The Pope's message is that Argentina's future depends on the ability to preserve its history while building new opportunities. A call for cohesion, solidarity, and political responsibility accompanies the first symbolic return of the papacy to Francis's homeland.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved