Pope Leo XIV in Argentina, over 2 million people at mass in Lujan. PHOTO

Record numbers again in Argentina for Pope Leo XIV. At the mass in Lujan, the last event in the country, more than two million faithful were present, between the square and the avenues in front of the basilica and the entire surrounding area, according to data provided by the local authorities and released by the Vatican press office.

The Pope, in his homily, praised the people of Argentina. “I could see the richness of Argentina, not only in its geography but also in its people, in each of the meetings, in the squares and streets, in the creativity, in the spontaneity and in the life that overflows at every step,” he said. "I thank God for the opportunity to meet this dear people, who open their doors to everyone, who share their bread and their music, where there is always a place at the table for those who arrive", he added.

The Pope, again in his homily, then underlined the importance of communion: "Christ himself invites us to his table and we are all welcome there. There is room for everyone, especially for the most needy: the poor and the hungry, migrants, the sick and prisoners, with whom the Lord identifies himself".

The Pope then entrusted the Argentine people to the Madonna of Lujan: "Help them build bridges of charity and networks of solidarity; inspire in them the impulse to continue following paths of reconciliation, communion and mission".

Previously, today the Pope had also visited the prisoners in Buenos Aires. "I imagine your sleepless nights - said Leo

But today is also the day in which Pope Leo XIV continues his journey moving from Argentina to Peru. According to the official program released by the Vatican Press Office, the Pope is expected at 5.30pm local time (11.30pm Italian time) at the Callao air base, for a visit to the federal penitentiary and the celebration of mass. After the official welcome, there will be a welcome ceremony in the Palacio de Gobierno in Lima and then a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori.