‘Argentina, rise up and walk!’ Pope Leo calls for renewed faith at final Mass
The Holy Father noted that his pontificate began on the feast of Our Lady of Luján, entrusting his ministry and the Argentine people to her protection during his final Mass in the country.
Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful in Argentina to embrace reconciliation, grow in unity through the Eucharist, and bring the Gospel into everyday life during a Nov. 11 Mass at the country’s national Marian shrine to Our Lady of Luján.
The Mass marked the final day of the Holy Father’s visit to Argentina, following an earlier stop in Uruguay and ahead of his scheduled trip to Peru. More than 3 million people attended the celebration, held at 10 a.m. in the square outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, according to provincial estimates cited by the Buenos Aires Herald.
In his homily, Pope Leo praised Argentina's natural beauty and the warmth of its people, expressing gratitude for the welcome he received during his visit.
“During these days, I have been able to see the richness of Argentina — not only in its geography but also in its people, in each one of our encounters, in the squares and streets and in the creativity, the spontaneity and the life that overflows at every turn,” he said.
Drawing on the celebration of the Eucharist, Pope Leo offered the faithful a path forward centered on four steps: reconciliation, enlightenment through the Word of God, communion, and being sent forth on mission.
Addressing those experiencing illness, poverty, unemployment, discrimination, or family difficulties, Pope Leo reflected on the Virgin Mary's suffering at the foot of the Cross. He recalled how Mary, in the midst of her grief, received a new mission from her Son to embrace all humanity in her mother's heart.
“We also need to reconcile ourselves with our past and present, in order to build a new future where love has the final word,” Pope Leo said.
He encouraged Catholics to acknowledge their faults, seek forgiveness, and receive God's grace so that peace, hope, and charity might be renewed within them.
Turning to the second step, the Holy Father recalled the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who encountered the risen Christ while discouraged and grieving his death. Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, and they recognized him when they shared a meal.
“We need a compass, a guide, and indeed we already have it in Sacred Scripture!” he said. “Let us allow ourselves to be enlightened by it, for the word of God is a lamp for our steps and a light to our path.”
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The Pope next spoke on the importance of communion, describing the Eucharist as a sacrament of unity that calls Christians to share with others, particularly those in need.
“There is a place for everyone, especially for those who are most in need: the poor and the hungry, migrants, the sick and prisoners, with whom the Lord identifies,” he said.
Pope Leo said that communion with Christ does not lead believers to withdraw into their personal affairs or neglect their responsibilities, but instead “impels us to be an active part of a community, to share the gifts we have received freely, and to offer what little we have for the good of many.”
He pointed to what he called “heroic acts of charity” in everyday life, including fathers who rise early to provide for their families, mothers who remain beside sick children in hospitals, and friends who give their time to those in need.
“Loving like Christ is not a matter of doing great things, but of remaining faithful at the Lord's side, just as his mother did, both in times of suffering and in times of joy, glory and light,” the Pope said.
The final step of the Pope's four-part message focused on the Church's mission to bring the Gospel to others.
“Go and evangelize; proclaim the joy of the Gospel through words and good deeds. Argentina, rise up and walk!” he said.
The Mass also carried special significance because of Argentina’s connection to Pope Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires. Pope Leo recalled his predecessor’s devotion to Our Lady of Luján, and noted that his own pontificate began on May 8, her feast day.
Turning to Our Lady of Luján in prayer, Pope Leo entrusted his ministry and the Argentine people to her protection, asking her to help them “build bridges of charity and networks of solidarity” and continue along paths of reconciliation, communion, and mission.
“Like millions of Argentines who come to your home to implore your maternal protection, I too wish to take refuge under your mantle,” he prayed. “Guide me, Mother, in the apostolic mission the Lord has entrusted to me, and guide and accompany the Argentine people on their journey.”
At the conclusion of Mass, Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Argentina, telling the faithful that he had “indeed felt at home.” According to the Buenos Aires Herald, Pope Leo presented a gold rose to Our Lady of Luján before departing. The newspaper also reported that the Holy Father was visibly moved as the crowd called for him to stay.
Pope Leo is set to travel to Peru later Nov. 11 for the final leg of his South American tour, a six-day visit that will bring him back to the country where he spent roughly two decades serving the Church as an Augustinian missionary and later as bishop of Chiclayo.
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