BUENOS AIRES — The streets of Argentina's capital transformed into a sea of celebration this week as Pope Leo XIV arrived in the country, marking the first papal visit in nearly four decades.

An estimated 2.5 million faithful packed Buenos Aires’ Palermo district on Monday for a landmark open-air Mass. Carrying Argentine flags and Vatican banners, crowds began gathering early in the morning—some camping overnight—along Santa Fe Avenue to catch a glimpse of the Popemobile. Chants of "Long live the Pope!" echoed through the thoroughfares, with many attendees moved to tears.

The visit holds profound significance for the nation, which has not seen a papal visit in 39 years. While native-born Pope Francis was unable to return to his homeland during his papacy, local worshippers expressed deep gratitude for his successor. Attendees voiced hopes that the visit would help heal deep political divisions within Argentine society.

During his homily, Pope Leo XIV focused heavily on the challenges facing modern families, citing economic instability, domestic struggles, and youth crises, while calling on families to ground themselves in prayer and faith. He also paid tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis.

Earlier in the day, the Pontiff visited the "Little Cottolengo Don Orione" residential facility for people with severe disabilities. In remarks widely viewed as a subtle rebuke of President Javier Milei’s ongoing austerity measures—which have included steep cuts to disability funding—the Pope declared that a nation's true cultural progress is measured by how it treats individuals with disabilities, emphasizing that they are "not a burden."

Following Monday's gathering in Palermo, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to lead another massive outdoor service at the Luján Basilica, expecting up to 4 million attendees, before departing for Peru.

With approximately 92% of Argentina's 47 million citizens having received infant Catholic baptism, the historic visit has reignited religious devotion and offered a powerful moment of unity for a nation grappling with economic and political challenges.

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