Pope Leo Concludes Argentina Visit with Final Mass Before Peru Trip

Pope Leo XIV concluded his three-day visit to Argentina on Wednesday, November 11, with an outdoor Mass attended by around two million people at the shrine of Our Lady of Lujan.

The gathering marked the end of his visit to the country, where millions of people came out to see him during his stay.

The Pope then travelled to Peru for the final leg of his 12-day South American tour.

The visit is particularly special for Leo, who spent nearly 20 years as a missionary in Peru before becoming the head of the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, he also holds Peruvian citizenship and served as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

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Millions attend Pope Leo's final Mass in Argentina

Around two million people gathered at the shrine of Our Lady of Lujan for the Pope's final Mass in Argentina. Many travelled from different parts of the country to attend the service, waving Vatican flags and cheering as Leo arrived in an open-top popemobile.

During his sermon, the Pope encouraged Argentines to build a society that cares for everyone, especially those facing difficult circumstances. He spoke about the need to support poor families, migrants, sick people and prisoners, calling on people to show greater concern for those who are often left behind.

During his stay, Leo also visited one of Argentina's largest prisons, where he met inmates and spoke about the importance of treating prisoners with dignity and respect.

His visit came at a time of differences between the Catholic Church and Argentine President Javier Milei over government spending cuts and their impact on social welfare programmes. However, Milei appeared emotional while saying goodbye to the Pope at the airport.

Earlier, an outdoor Mass in Buenos Aires had attracted around 2.5 million people. Overall, Leo's three-day visit brought an estimated six million people onto the streets and pilgrimage sites to see him.

Peru welcomes the Pope for a personal homecoming

Leo received a warm welcome in Peru, where local officials estimated that around three million people gathered in Lima on Wednesday. Large crowds lined the streets, waving flags and balloons as the Pope travelled through the city in his open-top popemobile.

During his first official address, Leo described Peru as his home and spoke about the friendships he had developed during his years in the country. He also shared his affection for Peruvian culture and food, including the popular dish ceviche.

The Pope also met President Keiko Fujimori and urged her government to work towards restoring public confidence following a closely contested election. He called on Peruvians to address the country's difficult past with justice and respect.

He also referred to the legacy of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted of human rights abuses and later pardoned. Leo, who was known as Bishop Robert Prevost at the time, had criticised the pardon in 2017.

During his six-day stay, the Pope is expected to visit Chiclayo, where he previously served as bishop. He will also meet former colleagues and communities he came to know during his years as a missionary.

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The South American tour began in Uruguay on November 6, followed by visits to Argentina and Peru. Despite undergoing lung cancer surgery less than a month before the trip, Leo has continued with a busy schedule of public appearances and meetings.