Millions fill Buenos Aires streets to welcome Pope Leo XIV

BUENOS AIRES — On Monday, an unprecedented throng of 2.5 million people gathered along one of the main avenues in Buenos Aires to witness Pope Leo deliver an outdoor Mass, according to Vatican officials. This marked the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades, as the pontiff embarked on a 12-day tour of South America, marking the beginning of his 18-month tenure as the head of the global Catholic Church.

Argentine citizens lined up for miles along Avenida del Libertador, waving the white-and-yellow Vatican flag and attempting to get a glimpse of the pope amidst a sea of security barriers. The atmosphere was electric, with chants of "Long live Pope Leo!" ringing out down the tree-lined street as the pontiff was transported in an open-top popemobile under clear blue skies.

During his address, Pope Leo expressed his joy at seeing Catholics in a region that has traditionally been a stronghold for the Church, but where it has recently been experiencing a decline due to the rapid growth of evangelical denominations. "It fills my heart with joy to celebrate... with you," said the pope, noting that his visit to Argentina had allowed him to witness the happiness reflected on the faces of the crowd.