Leo XIV on the "extraordinary ability" of the Argentines
I came as the successor of the Apostle Peter and therefore as a shepherd. I want to meet the Church on pilgrimage in this land, and also to address the entire nation and those entrusted with the task of serving it, said Leo XIV in a speech at the Palacio Libertad in Buenos Aires. The pope's speech was interrupted by thunderous applause every time he referred to Argentina's economic and social situation.
Leo XIV emphasized the fact that he was in the homeland of his predecessor - Francis. For twelve years, the universal Church listened to the voice of the Pope from Argentina, who kept in his memory and heart the places, people and faith he received here - he paid attention.
The Pope also spoke about the diversity of Argentine society. Some were born here; others came from far away and found a family home here; still others belong to indigenous peoples whose presence precedes the birth of the nation, he enumerated.
From this meeting of different roots and experiences, over time a nation was formed that was able to open its doors, make room for newcomers and maintain - even in difficult moments - the extraordinary ability to rise and continue moving forward - noted Leo XIV.
Leo XIV on democracy and power
Leo XIV devoted a lot of space in his speech to democracy and its role.
Choosing your own rulers in elections, participating in public life, freely expressing your own beliefs, trusting the law and recognizing institutions as a common space - these are values that strengthen over time and which each generation is obliged to nurture and strengthen, he said.
As Francis's successor pointed out, democracy is also strengthening in the everyday way of acting in public life; in readiness to listen, in caring for the word, in patient search for understanding.
Power takes on its highest meaning when it is exercised as a service, when it is able to look beyond what is immediate, and when it uses its abilities to take care of what belongs to everyone, the pope explained. He added that whoever exercises power has the obligation to "act prudently, recognize the limits of the authority entrusted to him and direct his decisions to the good of the entire community."
Another topic raised by the Pope was the situation of young Argentines.
The nation should seriously ask itself where it went wrong if its young people have to leave their country to fulfill their dreams, he pointed out. Our responsibility towards future generations begins with accepting life from its first moments and guarding it until its natural end, added Leo XIV.
The daily "La Nacion" assessed that in Leo XIV's first speech after arriving in Argentina, "politics, economy and spirituality were intertwined with extraordinary strength."
In an extremely clear and comprehensive speech that will go down in the history of the art of diplomacy, balanced and refined down to the last millimeter, the Pope said everything, the newspaper said.
"Politely but decisively, Leon showed his claws," the daily added.
The biweekly "Perfil" assessed Leo XIV's speech as "a strong political message towards Mileio." In turn, the daily "La Voz del Interior" described it as "charged with politics".
Leo XIV will visit a center for the disabled and a prison
On Monday, which will be the second day of his visit to Argentina, the Pope will go to the Cottolengo Don Orione nursing home in Claypole, near Buenos Aires. Currently, 415 people with disabilities live in the center, which has been operating since 1935 and resembles a small town.
Cottolengo provides its patients with medical care, rehabilitation, artistic and sports activities, and various types of workshops. The center is run by a Catholic organization founded at the end of the 19th century by the Italian Saint Aloysius Orione.
On Wednesday morning, before leaving Argentina, Leo XIV will visit Devoto Prison, the last federal penitentiary operating within the city limits of Buenos Aires. This place is marked by a tragic history.
During the military dictatorship (1976-1983), the prison served as a secret detention and torture center. According to some estimates, about 1,200 people were detained in Devoto. political prisoners, mainly women.
