Pope Leo calls to honor families in first mass in Argentina

Additional reporting at the Spaniards’ Monument by Martina Jaureguy

An estimated 2.5 million people gathered in Buenos Aires City’s Palermo neighborhood on Monday to attend Pope Leo XIV’s first outdoor mass in Argentina, according to figures by Herald sister publication Ámbito.

The mass, expected to be one of the largest events of his four-day visit to the country, took place at a special altar set up on the grounds of the Spaniards’ Monument. 

On his second day in Argentina, after arriving on Sunday afternoon, the pontiff addressed a vast crowd of faithful in the first of three outdoor masses he is scheduled to celebrate during his stay.

People flooded the streets and parks near the monument. Entire families with children and grandparents, couples, friends and religious groups took foldable chairs and blankets to sit and listen to the pope’s homily. 

Most of them stood, trying to catch a glimpse of the altar or the many screens across Libertador Avenue.

People waved flags from the Vatican, Argentina, and many other countries — some faithful could be heard speaking Portuguese or English. Many Argentines traveled hundreds of kilometers from other provinces to be present at the event.

The roars and emotion when Leo first arrived in the popemobile later turned into respectful silence during the mass.

President Javier Milei attended the ceremony, alongside members of his cabinet, political and social representatives, and Catholic Church officials. Thousands of people had arrived hours before the event, many traveling from different parts of the country to see the Pope.

A message centered on families In his homily, Leo XIV highlighted the role of the family in Argentine society, describing it as a source of the country’s fundamental values and a place where faith, human virtues, and a culture of work and respect for older generations are passed on.

“Do not resign yourselves to the voices that repeat that the Christian family is outdated; on the contrary, today more than ever it represents a pillar amid the many precarious conditions of our time,” he said.

The Pope also acknowledged the difficulties facing families, including social hardship, precarious employment, domestic violence, painful separations, and addictions affecting young people.

“Amid all this suffering and these crises, the Word of God shines as a source of hope: God is among us; we must not be afraid,” he said.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, recalling the Argentine pontiff’s words about the importance of family prayer and the role of the home in nurturing faith. The reference to his predecessor drew sustained applause from the crowd.

The atmosphere was one of excitement and emotion, with Argentine folk singer Soledad Pastorutti performing religious songs ahead of the ceremony.

A day of celebration Among those waiting for the mass was Gabriela, a Venezuelan woman who came with her six-year-old daughter Charlotte, who was born in Argentina.

“I haven’t seen a pope since John Paul II visited Venezuela when I was three, and I want her to experience what it is like to see the pope,” she told the Herald.

Bautista Velardes, a 16-year-old from Tucumán, was one of the many young people present. He said he traveled from the northern province especially for the pope’s visit.

“The presence of young people here before the Pope represents the future of the Church. It is already bearing fruit because young people have an energy that is contagious,” he said.

Referring to a youth night vigil the Pope will hold on Tuesday evening at this same site, he added that it continued Francis’ legacy of giving young people great importance. He also said he believed Leo’s messages were helping society.

For Lidia Romero, 76, the visit could have a positive impact beyond the Catholic community.

“It is good for the country, infinitely so. This is like a balm of grace, and I ask the authorities to listen because there is so much ugliness, so much division and aggression, and people do not respect one another,” said Lidia (pictured on the right). 

“I think the most important message is that we learn to respect one another and see each other as brothers and sisters.”

“It was a wonderful experience. It’s very emotional to listen to someone who is so connected to Pope Francis,” said Matías Rochaix, 37, after the mass ended. 

“Leo XIV was chosen for his capability to confront certain issues from our time, such as artificial intelligence. He is the appropriate person to be doing this right now, being here is very moving,” said Matías (in the middle, with two friends who also attended the gathering).

From Claypole to Palermo Before heading to Palermo, Leo XIV visited the Cottolengo Don Orione center in Claypole, which provides care for people with disabilities. He was welcomed by Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof and met residents and staff at the institution.

During the visit, he delivered a message emphasizing the dignity of people with disabilities, telling them that their lives were “not a burden for society, but a blessing”. Argentine singer Abel Pintos also performed for the Pope and the residents.

After the mass in Palermo, Leo XIV is scheduled to continue his program in Buenos Aires City, with further religious and institutional activities during his first full day in the country.

At around 4 p.m. he will attend a meeting with representatives of the labor sector at the Catholic University of Argentina campus in Puerto Madero. He is expected to deliver a speech to trade union leaders, business representatives, and social movement organizers. 

He will then preside at an interreligious meeting at Palacio San Martín, where he will gather with leaders from various Christian communities and other religious traditions.

Finally, he will conduct Evening Prayers (Vespers) at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral alongside the Argentine Episcopate and synodal teams and end the day with a private dinner with Argentine bishops at the Archbishop’s Residence.

Cover image: Leo XIV traveling in the popemobile to celebrate mass in Palermo. Credit: Buenos Aires City government