Pope Leo XIV Thanks Argentina at Final Mass in Luján

Pope Leo XIV thanked Argentina for its welcome on November 11 after celebrating the final Mass of his visit outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján. More than two million people attended in the square and surrounding streets, according to local authorities' estimates cited by the Holy See. Archbishop Jorge Eduardo Scheinig of Mercedes-Luján addressed the pope before his concluding greeting. “Thank you, Argentina, for welcoming me with open arms!” Leo said. He thanked civil and religious authorities, organizers and volunteers, as well as individuals, families and communities who had taken part in person or followed the visit through communications media. He described Argentina as the birthplace of Pope Francis and said he had felt at home during his stay. In his homily, Leo urged forgiveness and reconciliation, linking them to the life of Christian communities. He spoke about reading scripture, communion and mission, and called on the faithful to help people in need and contribute to their communities. In his farewell, he said he would carry Argentines in his heart as he continued his mission elsewhere. The Holy See recorded his departure from the basilica at about 11:55 a.m. local time, including a stop to greet volunteers at Villa Marista San José de Luján on the way to Ministro Pistarini International Airport. Argentina followed Uruguay on his November 6–17 journey. The official programme lists Peru as the next country, with arrival in Lima scheduled for later on November 11.