Rome Reports

This was one of the most striking images from Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Argentina: a crowd gathering to greet him and an avenue packed with the youth for the pope’s vigil. In this country, a nod to soccer was a must. This is how Pope Leo XIV appeared, to the beat of this music. And these young people, wearing the national team’s jersey. Even the pope was surprised by the reception... Well, first of all, good evening, and thank you. What a wonderful reception. A welcome that perhaps only A

Maggie Cullen, an Argentine singer, performed one of Argentina’s most famous folk songs alongside a group of youth.It took place during Pope Leo XIV’s Vigil with young people in Buenos Aires. The song is a prayer to Christ inspired by the lives of fishermen on the Paraná River.

This was the grand finale to the youth vigil with Pope Leo XIV: to the tune of “Alma Misionera,” which the pope  joined in singing, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.

Father Martín Carranza became disabled following complications from surgery, but uses AI technology to recreate his voice for homilies and speeches like this one. After hearing his moving testimony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Pope Leo XIV embraced the priest. Father Carranza then spoke directly to the Pope, sharing a touching moment with him. KS

In Córdoba, Pope Leo XIV received a welcome worthy of a soccer stadium, not a cathedral. He was meeting with bishops, priests, seminarians and representatives of religious life from across Argentina. The pope praised the Church’s strong commitment to social issues, but made clear that much remains to be done. POPE LEO XIV The Church in Argentina has a deeply rooted sensitivity to the social needs of its people. Hunger and injustice cannot wait. They demand a response. Christian ch

In Córdoba, Pope Leo XIV steps out onto the balcony of the bishop’s residence, calling on Argentinians to remain united: Good morning, everyone. Good morning! Very good. Well, greetings to all of you on this festive day. Let us thank God for the gift of faith, for the gift of being able to come together like this. Just look at how many people have filled the streets! Thank you for welcoming me. Thank you for this warm greeting. But above all, let us thank God for the gift of life, for this

“Un Nuevo Sol,” or “The New Civilization,” became the official hymn of the 1987 World Youth Day in Buenos Aires, the first edition held outside Rome. At the Mass Pope Leo XIV celebrated in Córdoba on November 10, the choir brought the celebration to a close with a performance of the hymn. The ensemble featured 135 performers, from children and adults to professional musicians.

Córdoba, in the very heart of Argentina, has a rich legacy of saints. And it was here that Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to walk in the footsteps of figures like Father Brochero and Mama Antula. POPE LEO XIV We are all called to holiness. That is what we are here on earth to do: reach perfect union with God. And this calling always sends us out on a mission. We must share with others the beauty we have found in Christ. It was the pope’s second Mass in Argentina, with ano

During his visit to Cottolengo Don Orione in Buenos Aires, Pope Leo XIV was not content with only seeing those gathered in the chapel. He went to the rooms of those unable to move and had brief encounters with several sick individuals, who thanked him for his affection and closeness. CBM

After the praying of Vespers at the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the Cathedral balcony and greeted the crowd gathered in the square. Hello, good evening! So much enthusiasm!  So much joy!  It is because we all know Christ.  A round of applause for Jesus! Thank you, Buenos Aires.  Thank you for welcoming me.  Thank you, Argentina. May the blessing of the Lord reach the heart of each one of you and all your loved ones.  May we a

Carmen Álvarez CuadradoThe final event of the second day of Pope Leo XIV’s Conference in Argentina began with a tribute to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the former archbishop of the capital, who has been Pope Francis since 2013. It was at the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where the pope went to pray Vespers with the bishops and the synod teams. In his address to them, the pontiff spoke of unity and reconciliation. POPE LEO XIVReconciliation requires acknowledging wounds, letting go of resentment,

Upon arriving at the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis, who served as archbishop of the archdiocese for 15 years. He did so by praying in silence and laying flowers, alongside a group of children, in front of a commemorative marble plaque inside the church.

Pope Leo XIV met with Christian and interfaith leaders in Buenos Aires. The pope said that, throughout history, this diversity has coexisted peacefully in Argentina. POPE LEO XIVIn this way, they brought unity to the nation and carried out common projects, without religions ever being a source of division, but rather a point of convergence and commitment to society. Even today, each of us acts as a witness to a faith that we have chosen to live out, making it an outstretched hand for sharing

Pope Leo XIV met with representatives from the working world at the Catholic University of Argentina. In his speech, he said that work should not be a source of conflict and that people should not be judged solely on their efficiency. POPE LEO XIVWhere the rule of the few is the law, work becomes exploitation of all those in the workforce. Workers are valued solely for their efficiency. He then reiterated that the economy must serve people, and not the other way around. The pontiff also

The Orchestra of Florencio Varela performed a repertoire of 13 liturgical pieces for Pope Leo XIV at the Holy Mass in Buenos Aires. Over 230 members came together on stage: 150 singers and 70 musicians.

Pope Leo XIV greets disabled residents of Cottolengo Don Orione in Argentina. During the meeting he becomes visibly emotional listening to the testimonies of Marta Torres and Norma Donato. After Donato shares her story, she gifts Pope Leo with a zuchetto. He in turn removes his skullcap and puts on the one she gifts him. She leaves the meeting with the pontiff’s zuchetto and a memory she will never forget.

Daniel del Castillo González Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in Argentina before a crowd of around two million faithful at the Monument of the Spanish in Buenos Aires. He addressed some of the country's most pressing challenges, including domestic violence, family separation and addictions, particularly among young people. The pope highlighted the family as a way to reach them, while also observing the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. POPE LEO XIV

Daniel del Castillo González Don Orione laid the first stone of this center in 1935. Today, more than 400 people with disabilities live here, receiving round-the-clock care from teams of professionals, religious members and volunteers. The center has schools, art workshops, rehabilitation facilities and activities designed to help residents develop greater independence. Marta Torres spent years searching for a place like this she could call home. MARTA TORRES I was born with a disabi

At the Palacio Libertad, Pope Leo XIV delivered what is usually the most political speech of any papal visit. He told government officials and the people that they must learn to live together despite their differing views and protect democracy. POPE LEO XIVDemocracy is also strengthened by the way we conduct ourselves in public life on a daily basis: through a willingness to listen, by choosing our words carefully, through the patient search for common ground, and through the ability to recog

Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado Here is the long-awaited image: Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Argentina, Pope Francis’s homeland.He was greeted by the President of the Republic, Javier Milei, at the Buenos Aires airport. And so the welcome ceremony began...A group gathered at the foot of the papal plane. Some people couldn't hold back their tears:His first stop in the capital was at this monument—the one dedicated to José San Martín—where he paid tribute to the man considered the Father of the Argentin