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Pope Leo Urges Unity and Accountability in Argentina

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Faith Desk

In Short: Pope Leo XIV, during his first official address in Argentina on Sunday, November 8, called for national unity and stronger democratic institutions, emphasizing the importance of the common good over immediate interests.

LIVE | Pope Leo XIV in Argentina: Official Welcome and Meeting with Authorities | November 8, 2026. EWTN News

In his speech at the Palacio Libertad in Buenos Aires, Pope Leo urged Argentina's leaders to prioritize the well-being of all citizens and to strengthen democratic institutions.

Pope Leo, who arrived in Argentina on the second leg of his Apostolic Journey following his visit to Uruguay, highlighted the need for political leaders to serve the entire community and promote economic opportunities that benefit all sectors of society.

The pontiff's visit, which drew an estimated 2.5 million people to his first Mass in Argentina, also included a private meeting with five people who had been abused by clergy or Church institutions in Argentina.

Pope Leo emphasized the importance of caring for others and alleviating suffering, stating that every person's life retains a value that no circumstance can diminish.

Libertarian leader Javier Milei, who personally welcomed Pope Leo on the tarmac, echoed the pope's sentiments, urging governance for all and working for the common good.

Pope Leo's visit to Argentina, which is home to more than 43 million Catholics, also included a stop at the shrine of Our Lady of Luján, where he dedicated his ministry to the Virgin.

Pope Leo's address in Argentina was also a call for greater institutional integrity and stronger public trust, warning that corruption undermines confidence in public institutions.

Pope Leo's visit to Argentina is part of an 12-day tour that includes stops in Uruguay and Peru, where he plans to address the needs of the Church and the faithful.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• "Today, as his successor in the Petrine ministry, I am in some sense retracing his steps in this country where the personal history of Pope Francis would later be joined to that of the entire Church." Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the archdiocese of Buenos Aires from 1998 until he became pope.
• In the pope's first speech in Argentina in the Palacio Libertad, Pope Leo honored his predecessor Pope Francis, who was a native son of Buenos Aires, but never returned to his homeland after his election as pope in 2013.
• The pope also urged introspection on the part of Argentina's leaders, saying, "a nation must seriously ask itself where it has failed when its young people have to leave their homeland in order to make their dreams come true."
• Pope Leo XIV concludes his second day in Argentina by greeting the faithful gathered outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Buenos Aires, encouraging them to welcome Christ's call to proclaim the Good News with joy.
• He urged them to place the common good above immediate interests and called on Argentina’s political leaders to exercise authority as a service to the entire community, highlighting the need to strengthen democratic institutions, promote economic opportunities and ensure that growth benefits all sectors of society Arriving in Argentina on the second leg of his Apostolic Journey, following his visit to Uruguay and ahead of his onward journey to Peru, Pope Leo said he had come as the Successor of Peter and as a pastor, wishing to address the entire nation and those who have the task of serving it.

What's still developing

• Argentina is home to more than 43 million Catholics, according to the latest Vatican statistics from 2022, which state that over 92% of the country's population is baptized Catholic.
• BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Pope Leo XIV has made it clear since the start of his pontificate that he seeks to be a pope of unity.
• The Pope was "remaining attentive to the needs of each day and allowing for appropriate periods of rest," it said, adding that Leo was "deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world." Pope Leo is due to arrive in Argentina on Sunday, November 8, staying in the country until Wednesday, November 11.
• Argentina (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV met privately Nov. 9 with five people abused by clergy or Church institutions in Argentina, listening individually to their experiences during an encounter that lasted more than an hour, the Holy See Press Office said.
• Buenos Aires officials said more than two million worshippers had turned out Monday for a vast public Mass by Pope Leo XIV, with pilgrims travelling from across Argentina and camping overnight to get a glimpse of the pontiff.
• AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Pope Leo XIV has returned to Latin America, where he spent two decades as a missionary priest, for a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, his second homeland.
• According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope wants not only to stand alongside survivors but also to help develop accessible paths toward healing and ensure that the Church becomes a safe and spiritually healthy environment in which the Gospel can be lived and proclaimed.
• "A person of immense generosity whom I had the honor of knowing firsthand."

Sources

• Catholic News Heraldlink
• Ewtnnewslink
• Herald Malaysia Onlinelink
• New York Daily Newslink
• Religionnewslink
• Vaticannewslink
• Yeni Şafak Englishlink
• teleSUR Englishlink
• thechronicle.com.phlink
• Angelusnewslink
• Batimeslink
• OSV Newslink
• PBSlink
• Ewtnnewslink
• Latintimeslink
• Encalink
• EWTN News — video link
• EWTN News — video link
• EWTN News — video link
• Al Jazeera English — video link
• EWTN News — video link
• New York Post — video link