Pope draws one million to Argentina youth vigil

Résumé détaillé

Pope Leo XIV has urged Argentines to reject the "idols" of money, drugs and pornography and to model their lives on the example set by the saints.

Pope Leo XIV has urged Argentines to follow the holy example of the country's best-known saints as he drew an estimated 650,000 people to the central city of Córdoba for Mass and one million for a night vigil in the capital Buenos Aires.

Faithful from all over Argentina drove hours to be on hand for the Córdoba service, from the farthest north of the country to southern Patagonia and points in between. After nearly 40 years without a papal visit, Córdoba was chosen to host Leo because of its central location.

Leo told them that Córdoba was a "land of saints", home to some of Argentina's best-known missionaries. They include St José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, known as the " Gaucho priest," and "Mama Antula," who in 2024 became Argentina's first female saint. They were both canonised by the Argentine Pope Francis.

"These saints and blesseds have already fulfilled their mission on Earth. Today, it is our turn to follow the radiant example of holiness they have left with us."

Late on Tuesday, Leo presided over a massive youth vigil at the Monumento de los Españoles, an intersection of Buenos Aires' grand boulevards that were packed.

It was the same place where Leo drew 2.5 million people on Monday for his main Mass in Buenos Aires, a record for his still-young pontificate.

The Vatican estimated one million people had turned out for the night vigil.

After Mass, Leo met privately with 20 people who had family members disappear during Argentina's 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

Leo has only made a passing reference to the dictatorship while in Argentina. In his first speech delivered Sunday to President Javier Milei and government authorities, he spoke of Argentina's history that included "reasons for gratitude and painful memories".

Début de l'article, extrait de PerthNow. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.