Pope in Argentina: 'May Christ's love triumph over all individualism and exclusion'

Gathering for the Papal Mass in Buenos Aires

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV began his first full day in Argentina with a visit to a care home. He went on to celebrate a huge outdoor Mass in central Buenos Aires drawing an estimated 2.5 million people - the largest gathering of his pontificate so far.

The Don Orione Care Center in Claypole, founded in 1935 by St Luigi Orione, is a residential centre dedicated to caring for around 400 people with disabilities. During his visit, the Pope commended the work and commitment of those who serve there, describing the Cottolengo as a place where charity is visible in everyday gestures and relationships.

The Holy Father stressed that people with disabilities are not a burden on society, but a blessing.

"The values of dignity, belonging, and fraternal friendship that distinguish places like this," Pope Leo said, "have much to say to our societies, which are often driven solely by the pursuit of economic success or the cult of outward appearance."

The Pope went on to suggest that "a nation's progress is also measured by how it welcomes all people with disabilities and particular needs."

In his reflection the Pope expressed his hope that Argentina would be capable of carrying out many more great works of charity, reiterating that "charity will save the world," because "God is love." He reaffirmed: "the love of Christ triumphs over individualism and exclusion."

Enthusiastic flag waving crowds stretched for miles down Buenos Aires' wide avenues as Pope Leo was driven to the Monumento de los Españoles, in the heart of Buenos Aires to celebrate Mass.

In his homily, Pope Leo stressed the importance of the Christian family in society. "The family is the place where faith, human virtues, a culture of work, respect for the elderly, the defence of life and fidelity to one's word are handed on. Do not give in to those who dismiss the Christian family as outdated. On the contrary, today more than ever, it remains a pillar amid the many insecurities of our time," the Pope said.

"Open the doors of your homes to Christ!" he added. "Speak naturally to your children about Jesus, and remain united to him."

The Pope recommended simple gestures to pass on the faith in the intimacy of one's home, "a blessing before meals, a prayer before going to bed, forgiveness and mutual listening, grandparents teaching their grandchildren to pray, going to Mass on Sundays, and preparing for a retreat or a pilgrimage."

"The family is a privileged place for coming to know and encounter Christ," he said.

Pope Leo also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, in a moment that was met by enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

"Our beloved Pope Francis, who was Bishop of this city, expressed with great conviction that 'the family is called to join in daily prayer, to read the word of God and to share in Eucharistic communion, and thus to grow in love and become ever more fully a temple in which the Spirit dwells'," Pope Leo said, quoting Pope Francis' 'Amoris Laetitia.'.

Pope Leo noted that the Mass was offered for the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, saying the feast is a "sign of God the Father's saving presence in his Church."

"Our families often face difficult circumstances: instability, social hardship, precarious employment, domestic violence, painful separations and addictions that destroy young people's futures and damage family relationships," he said. "Amid all these hardships and crises, God's word shines out as a source of hope: God is in our midst; we need not be afraid."

Pope Leo entrusted all the families in the crowd to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Luján, and to her spouse, Saint Joseph, at the end of his homily, which was met with cheers of "Viva el papa!"

Watch the Mass on the Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jrAHHx-7WI