Pope leads mega mass in Buenos Aires, meets abuse victims

Buenos Aires witnessed a massive mass led by Pope Leo XIV on Monday, attracting over 2.5 million pilgrims, the largest crowd of the Pope's papacy so far. The 71-year-old leader, who recently underwent lung cancer surgery, addressed the protection of the most vulnerable in society. Crowds gathered along Avenida del Libertador, excitedly cheering as giant screens relayed images of the Pope's procession through the city.

Mechanic Hector Solis, who traveled 3,000km for the mass, expressed his awe at the massive turnout. Across the capital, merchandise featuring the Pope's image was sold, and his likeness appeared on local treats. Many pilgrims, like teacher Gonzalo Trejo, were moved by the Pope's tribute to his Argentine predecessor Francis, who never returned to the country after becoming Pope.

The Pope also met five victims of clerical abuse, hearing their stories of suffering at the hands of the clergy or within ecclesial institutions in Argentina. Leo expressed his commitment to strengthening protection measures within the Catholic Church and assured the remaining victims he could not meet. The Pope's 12-day tour of South America focused on defending the rights of the weak and downtrodden, visiting a home for people with disabilities where he praised disabled people as a blessing to society.

The Pope's packed schedule included meetings with business leaders, workers, and trade unions, who are outraged by President Javier Milei's labor reforms that limit the right to strike. The Pope praised the indispensable role of unions in defending those without a voice and urged them to help precarious workers, as 45% of workers in Argentina are in informal jobs with no pension contributions or labor protections.