In Argentina, Pope Leo Walks in the Giant Shadow of Francis
Pope Leo arrived in Argentina on the second leg of an expansive Latin America tour following lung surgery, drawing massive crowds that included 2.5 million people at a single Mass. The pontiff urged President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, to safeguard democracy during his arrival. Throughout his multi-day itinerary, Pope Leo has engaged with diverse groups, addressing prisoners, young people, and clergy, while building upon the social justice message of his late predecessor Francis in his hometown.
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- ✓ Pope Leo urged President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, to safeguard democracy upon arrival in Argentina.
- ✓ Pope Leo drew 2.5 million people to Mass in Argentina.
- ✓ Pope Leo visited Argentina on the second leg of an expansive Latin America tour after lung surgery.
- ✓ Pope Leo drew 650,000 people in another strong Argentine turnout.
What changed
Pope Leo traveled to Argentina following his lung surgery and engaged in high-profile meetings and massive public gatherings.
Live updates
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Pope Leo Visits Argentina on Latin America Tour
Pope Leo arrived in Argentina on the second leg of an expansive Latin America tour following lung surgery, drawing massive crowds that included 2.5 million people at a single Mass. The pontiff urged President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, to safeguard democracy during his arrival. Throughout his multi-day itinerary, Pope Leo has engaged with diverse groups, addressing prisoners, young people, and clergy, while building upon the social justice message of his late predecessor Francis in his hometown.
Why it matters
The visit marks a major papal return to Argentina after a lengthy wait, positioning Pope Leo directly within the cultural and political atmosphere of the region. His interactions with local political leadership and various communities highlight the ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and South American governance. The journey also serves as a critical test of his international presence following his recent medical procedure.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo urged President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, to safeguard democracy upon arrival in Argentina.
- Pope Leo drew 2.5 million people to Mass in Argentina.
- Pope Leo visited Argentina on the second leg of an expansive Latin America tour after lung surgery.
- Pope Leo drew 650,000 people in another strong Argentine turnout.
- Elder Soares attended an Argentine interfaith gathering with Pope Leo XIV.
Still unconfirmed
- Pope Leo will wrap up his Argentina tour with a visit to a prison and a shrine before heading home to Peru.
What to watch next
- Conclusion of the Argentina tour with scheduled visits to a prison and a shrine
- Pope Leo's return trip to Peru
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (34)
- www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
- CNN — Pope Leo urges President Milei, a Trump ally, to ‘safeguard democracy’ on arrival in Argentina
- National Catholic Reporter — Pope draws 2.5 million to Mass in Argentina and tells people with disabilities they are a blessing
- The New York Times — In Argentina, Pope Leo Walks in the Giant Shadow of Francis
- The Hill — Pope urges Argentines to follow model of saints during Mass in the ‘land of saints’
- Vatican News — Pope at Mass in Argentina: Mission is a ‘joyful duty’
- Reuters — Pope Leo draws 650,000 in another strong Argentine turnout
- Al Jazeera — Photos: Crowds greet Pope Leo in Argentina after 40-year wait
- Vatican News — Pope Leo in Latin America: Christ makes the world truer and freer
- Vatican News — Pope Leo XIV encourages Argentinians to remain united in faith
- dw.com — Pope Leo vs. Javier Milei: How political is the pope after critical comments?
- Vatican News — Pope to Argentina’s clergy and religious: ‘Let us not give up!'
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