Pope calls for ‘reconciliation’ among Argentines at final mass in Luján

Pope Leo XIV praised the solidarity of the Argentine people and urged them to reconcile with one another, their history, and their present in order to build “a new future” during his final homily at a massive outdoor mass held outside the Basilica of Luján, in Buenos Aires province.

Provincial authorities told the Herald more than 3 million people attended the religious service, filling the streets of Luján. This would make it the largest mass of Leo’s pontificate to date and one of the five most massive religious services led by popes in history.

The record for largest attendance in a mass was in 2015 in Manila, Philippines, when between 6 and 7 million faithful gathered to listen to Pope Francis. Around 2.5 million people also attended Pope Leo XIV’s mass in Buenos Aires on Monday, entering the top five.

The pope wore a light blue and white chasuble bearing an image of the Virgin of Luján, Argentina’s patron saint. The colors matched those of the Virgin’s mantle and the Argentine flag.

“Argentina, stand up and walk!” the pope said during his homily, his last before departing the country later in the afternoon.

The Basilica of Luján is Argentina’s most important pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most prominent religious landmarks. Every October, millions of people walk 60 kilometers to reach it, either to ask the Virgin Mary for favors or to give thanks.

Photo: Government of Buenos Aires province The mass began shortly after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the final day of the pope’s four-day visit to Argentina as part of his South American tour, which has already taken him to Uruguay. 

At 2 p.m. the pontiff born in the United States is scheduled to fly to Lima, where he will spend six days in Peru, a country that was his home for two decades, first as a priest and later as bishop of Chiclayo.

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A call for reconciliation During his homily, Pope Leo XIV referred several times to his predecessor, Argentine Pope Francis, recalling his devotion to the Virgin of Luján. 

He also noted that his own pontificate began on May 8, the feast day of Our Lady of Luján, and asked for her protection, pleading with her to “guide and accompany the Argentine people on their journey.”

“Help them build bridges of charity and networks of solidarity. Kindle in them the desire to continue walking the paths of reconciliation, communion, and mission, illuminated by the word of your Son, Jesus Christ, and firmly grounded in Him, our cornerstone,” the pope said.

Addressing the crowd, the Holy Father urged the faithful to put into practice in their daily lives the same steps observed during the Eucharist — the part of the mass in which bread and wine are shared: reconciliation, enlightenment, communion, and mission.

Photo: Vatican Media He said that, just as Mary “welcomed all of humanity in her heart” after enduring the pain of losing her son, Jesus, “we, too, are called to receive God’s grace and to undergo processes of forgiveness and reconciliation that renew peace, hope, and love within us.”

“We need to reconcile ourselves with our past and our present in order to build a new future, where love has the final say,” the pontiff said.

“We feel tired, disappointed, and disoriented. We need a compass, a guide. We find it in Sacred Scripture. Let us allow ourselves to be enlightened by it.”

Turning to the step of communion — the act of receiving the bread — he stressed that “all are welcome” at the table of Jesus Christ. “There is room for everyone, especially for those most in need: the poor, the hungry, migrants, the sick, and prisoners, with whom the Lord identifies.”

“There are many difficulties; we know this. But the Lord also inspires heroic acts of charity among our faithful people, such as the father who rises early every day to bring bread home, the mother who stays by her sick child’s side during long nights in the hospital, and the good friend who shares his time with those in need.”

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Praise and gratitude for Argentina At the beginning of his homily, Pope Leo invited the faithful to reflect on “the varied geography with which the Creator of the universe has embellished the Argentine land,” mentioning the Pampas plains, mountains, glaciers, deserts, and the sea. 

“The entire land at the end of the world, in all its splendor and beauty, sings of the Lord’s glory.”

“Over the past few days, I have been able to witness Argentina’s richness — not only in its geography but also in its people. In every encounter, in the squares, in the streets, in the creativity, in the spontaneity, and in the life that overflows at every turn,” he said.

The pontiff thanked God “for the opportunity to meet this beloved people who open their doors to everyone, who share their bread and their music,” in a place where “there is always an extra seat at the table,” “time set aside to chat over mate,” and “a helping hand extended to those in need.”

Before leaving the altar at the end of the mass, Leo took a few minutes to read a statement expressing his gratitude for his time in Argentina. He also presented the Virgin of Luján with a gold rose.

“I thank God for what I experienced during my visit to this country, the birthplace of our beloved Pope Francis,” he said. “I thank everyone who worked to make this possible. Thank you, Argentina, for welcoming me with open arms!”

“The successor of Peter must now continue his mission elsewhere, wherever the Lord sends him. But I want to tell you that he carries all of you in his heart. May God bless this land of Mary Immaculate, whose blue and white mantle is reflected in the colors of your flag,” the pope said, urging Argentines to “go and proclaim the Gospel with joy and gratitude.”

Pope Leo was visibly moved as the crowd chanted his name and urged him not to leave. He was even seen wiping away a tear.

“Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth; I have felt right at home. Farewell, my beloved Argentina!”

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