---
title: Pope Leo XIV bids farewell to Argentina, calls for reconciliation before departing for Peru
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-bids-farewell-to-argentina-calls-for-reconciliation-before-departing-for-peru
published: 2026-11-14T17:49:16+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.domradio.de/artikel/papst-leo-xiv-ruft-argentinien-zum-abschied-zur-versoehnung-auf
organizations: Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope Leo XIV bids farewell to Argentina, calls for reconciliation before departing for Peru

Pope Leo XIV. concluded his visit to Argentina with a call for reconciliation and hope, addressing a crowd of more than two million people at the Marian shrine in Luján. The pontiff, who is originally from Chicago and holds Peruvian citizenship, used the outdoor mass to reflect on his time in the country before preparing to travel to Peru, the final stop of his eleven-day South American trip.

The Pope expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Argentine people, describing them as a nation that opens its doors to everyone and shares its bread and music. He highlighted the local custom of always having a place at the table for newcomers and taking time for relaxed conversation between rounds of mate. The faithful had gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján early in the morning to attend the service, which marked the end of his three-day stay in the second-largest country in South America.

During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV. paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, whom he referred to as a beloved figure who carried the Virgin Mary in his heart. He recalled that his Argentine predecessor never visited his homeland while serving as Pope. The current pontiff quoted words from Francis's evening of election on March 13, 2013, on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, describing the entire country as singing the glory of the Lord in its splendor and beauty.

The Pope urged the Argentine people to reconcile with their history and present circumstances in order to shape a new future where love has the final say. He acknowledged that many individuals suffer from illness, poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and family breakdown. He encouraged the faithful not to fear, stating that God is with them and that they should find strength in the Lord. He emphasized the inclusivity of the Eucharist, noting that there is space for everyone, especially the poor, hungry, migrants, sick, and imprisoned, with whom the Lord identifies.

In his closing remarks, Pope Leo XIV. called on the people to go out and proclaim the Gospel with words and good deeds. He noted that he was elected Pope on May 8, the feast day of the Virgin of Luján, and asked for her maternal protection and guidance in his apostolic mission. He stated that he felt at home in Argentina and bid farewell to the country he described as beloved. The crowd responded with rhythmic applause and chants.

The Pope is scheduled to depart for Peru on Wednesday afternoon, local time. He served as an Augustinian missionary and bishop in Peru for more than twenty years. The Vatican's foreign minister indicated that the legacy of Pope Francis would remain a topic during the trip, while also noting that Leo XIV.'s Latin American heart would shape the journey. The Pope speaks Spanish fluently and has lived in Peru for two decades before his election to the papacy in May 2025.

## This story in other languages

- [Nederlands](https://www.faithfulnews.com/nl/paus-leo-xiv-roept-op-tot-verzoening-bij-vertrek-uit-argentinie)
- [Norsk](https://www.faithfulnews.com/no/pave-leo-xiv-oppfordret-til-forsoning-under-avskjed-i-argentina)