{
  "id": 19508699,
  "title": "Pope draws huge crowds at Argentina shrine before Peru homecoming",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/pope-draws-huge-crowds-at-argentina-shrine-before-peru-homecoming-19508699",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-11T14:26:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/11/11/pope-draws-huge-crowds-at-argentina-shrine-before-peru-homecoming"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo XIV, during his final day in Argentina before embarking on his journey to Peru, attracted massive crowds to the city of Lujan. An estimated two million people thronged the streets surrounding the Basilica, some even scaling fences and trees to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, who was greeted with chants of \"thank you Leo for your blessing.\" This visit to Lujan marked the emotional heart of Leo's first trip to Argentina, a country whose previous pope, Francis, was unable to return home after becoming the leader of the faith. Pope Leo, who spent two decades in Peru as a missionary and church leader, has been advocating for a more inclusive economy and protection of the vulnerable during his stay in South America. His message of social responsibility resonated deeply with the crowd, as evidenced by banners calling for land, housing, and work for the people, and signs pleading for the release of a wrongly incarcerated individual. Inside the basilica, a choir prepared for a Mass described as a \"once-in-a-lifetime occasion,\" with choir member Nora Jauregui expressing the profound emotional impact of the event. Earlier in the day, Pope Leo visited inmates at the Devoto prison in Buenos Aires, urging them to use their time behind bars as an opportunity for personal growth and redemption. Despite recently undergoing surgery for lung cancer, the 71-year-old pontiff remained steadfast in his commitment to the trip, emphasizing the importance of the pilgrimage less than a month after his medical procedure.",
  "summary": "Authorities say two million people packed the streets around the Basilica of Lujan, with some climbing fences, barriers, trees and lampposts for a glimpse of the pontiff.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Pope will wrap up Argentina tour with a visit to a prison and a shrine before heading home to Peru",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/pope-will-wrap-up-argentina-tour-with-a-visit-to-a-prison-and-a",
        "published": "2026-11-11T09:19:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Pope Leo to end Argentina tour with large outdoor mass before 'emotional' Peru homecoming",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/pope-leo-to-end-argentina-tour-with-large-outdoor-mass-before",
        "published": "2026-11-11T10:50:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Pope draws huge crowds at Argentina shrine before Peru homecoming",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/pope-draws-huge-crowds-at-argentina-shrine-before-peru-homecoming",
        "published": "2026-11-11T14:10:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}