Pope Leo XIV drew 2.5 million faithful along Avenida del Libertador, delivering his papacy's largest gathering while honoring his predecessor, Pope Francis. In addition to addressing social issues, the pontiff spent time at the Pequeno Cottolengo care facility to offer support to individuals with disabilities. His private dialogue with clerical abuse survivors responded to persistent criticism regarding the Church's handling of misconduct. He also intervened in local economic discussions, defending the necessity of trade unions in protecting workers.
Key points
The pontiff's massive Argentine gathering represents the largest public event of his papa…: The pontiff's massive Argentine gathering represents the largest public event of his papacy to date.
Church leadership faced calls from survivor networks to strictly enforce zero-tolerance p…: Church leadership faced calls from survivor networks to strictly enforce zero-tolerance policies regarding clergy abuse.
Labor protections remain vital in Argentina, where approximately 45 percent of the workfo…: Labor protections remain vital in Argentina, where approximately 45 percent of the workforce is employed in informal jobs.
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BUENOS AIRES: Pope Leo XIV led a vast mass in Argentina on Monday (Nov 9) with two and a half million pilgrims, and urged protection of society's most vulnerable as he met disabled people and clerical abuse victims.
The Buenos Aires mass drew the largest crowd of Leo's papacy to date, as faithful travelled from far and wide to see the 71-year-old less than a month after he underwent lung cancer surgery.
Cheering and waving crowds packed a kilometres-long stretch of Avenida del Libertador, with excitement reaching fever pitch when giant screens relayed images of the pope's journey through the city.
"It was very moving," said mechanic Hector Solis, who travelled cross-country in a three-car convoy for the mass.
"We were at the vigil last night, from midnight, and were surprised by how many people were already there," he told AFP.
Across the capital, vendors sold T-shirts, caps and flags bearing Leo's image, while his likeness appeared on alfajores pastries and jars of dulce de leche as Argentines marked the first papal visit to the country in decades.
State-run operations across the National Capital Territory will pause to observe the major festival dedicated to the Sun God, during which devotees offer sunrise and sunset prayers. The administration secured formal approval from the Lieutenant Governor before notifying municipal bodies and ministries. This directive ensures public employees can participate in the rituals associated with Pratihar Shashthi.
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