Pope says age, ill health cannot ‘extinguish’ his zeal

Pope Leo XIV, 71 years old and recovering from lung cancer surgery, vowed to not let age or ill health hinder his fervor for the Catholic faith during his 12-day tour of Latin America. The Pope, who had initially refused to reschedule his trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru after the removal of a tumor from his right lung, appeared full of energy during a candlelit youth vigil in Buenos Aires, attended by 1.3 million people.

The Pope urged Argentines to "stand firm in the face of pleasures that ultimately enslave us," warning against obsession with looks, money, popularity, and the pursuit of pleasure through drugs and pornography. The Pope's message resonated with the crowd, many of whom have grown up with social media, reflecting the widespread concern about image obsession.

The Pope's tour is being seen as a double homecoming, returning to Peru where he served as a missionary for nearly two decades and to Argentina, the birthplace of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The Pope has frequently criticized President Javier Milei, urging him to make the economy more inclusive and stop funding cuts that harm the poor, elderly, and those with disabilities.

While in Argentina, the Pope has also called on the country's citizens to follow the example of Argentine saints, emphasizing the unity between passion for the Gospel and commitment to building a fraternal and caring nation.