Pope leads mega mass in Buenos Aires, meets abuse victims

Pope Leo XIV led a massive mass in Buenos Aires on Monday, drawing a crowd of two and a half million pilgrims. The 71-year-old pontiff, who recently recovered from lung cancer surgery, focused on protecting the vulnerable as he met disabled individuals and clerical abuse victims. The congregation congregated along Avenida del Libertador, with excitement building as giant screens broadcast images of his journey through the city.

Across the capital, supporters adorned themselves with Leo's image on T-shirts, caps, and flags, while his likeness appeared on traditional pastries and sweet liqueur. Pope Leo XIV was warmly welcomed, with many in the crowd expressing emotion at his return to Argentina. He delivered a speech honoring Pope Francis, calling him "our beloved pope."

The Pope also met privately with five clerical abuse victims, listening to each one recount their pain resulting from clergy misconduct or ecclesial institutions in Argentina. The private audience came after criticism from survivors demanding "zero tolerance" of abusers. Pope Leo XIV expressed his commitment to strengthening Church protection measures and his empathy for unmet victims.

During his tour of South America, the Pope has advocated for the rights of the weak and marginalized. At the Pequeno Cottolengo home for people with disabilities, Leo praised the institution as a "city of charity" and emphasized that disabled people are a blessing to society.