Crowds line streets as Pope Leo visits care home for disabled
Thousands gather to welcome Leo XIV as he visits a residential care centre amid a heated debate over state funding for people with disabilities. Leer más
On Monday, an estimated thousands of people lined the streets around Buenos Aires, Argentina, to greet Pope Leo XIV as he made his way to a residential care home for over 400 adults with disabilities. The visit came amidst a contentious debate in Argentina concerning state support for this vulnerable population. Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina from Uruguay, the first leg of a tour that would culminate in Peru.
During his first speech in Buenos Aires, the pontiff emphasized the need for economic growth to benefit the most vulnerable and respect for those with differing viewpoints, a message aimed at President Javier Milei. Milei, known for his harsh austerity policies and frequent attacks on critics, has repeatedly clashed with the Church.
In anticipation of his arrival, families and friends had assembled with chairs along the route the pontiff was to traverse through Claypole, a suburb south of Buenos Aires. At the Cottolengo Don Orione home, where the disabled reside, people greeted the Pope with embraces, waving Argentine and Vatican flags, and a band alternated religious hymns with prayers.
Ana Trucco, a 22-year-old student, expressed her growing faith and belief in Pope Leo's message to those in need. The cuts to government funding for disability care and services, a key grievance against Milei's austerity program, prompted the recent agreement between the Catholic Church, government, and opposition to guarantee funding.
Later that evening, Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech at the Cottolengo, meeting residents and staff outdoors, and blessing them. Nearby, local residents turned their homes into makeshift stalls selling food and flags bearing the Pope's image. In the capital, vast crowds were expected for a Mass given by Pope Leo XIV, particularly in Palermo, where thousands queued for hours to secure a spot.
Soledad Troncoso, a 67-year-old pensioner, expressed her hope for unity and the Pope's words to endure, wishing blessings for a country rife with suffering.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
