Pope Leo’s Buenos Aires Mass draws estimated 2.5 million

Pope Leo XIV celebrated an outdoor Mass in Buenos Aires on November 9 that drew an estimated 2.5 million people, according to later local-authority accounts and the Vatican. Buenos Aires officials had earlier put attendance at two million. The crowd gathered around the Monumento a los Españoles and along Avenida del Libertador, in the largest gathering of Leo’s pontificate reported to date.

In his homily, Leo defended the role of the Christian family, saying it passes on faith and fundamental values. He urged listeners not to dismiss the Christian family as outdated and described it as a pillar amid the insecurities of the time. He also encouraged families to share their faith with children through everyday practices, including prayer, forgiveness and attending Mass.

The Mass followed Leo’s visit to Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione, a care home for people with disabilities in Claypole, south of the capital. There, he said a nation’s progress is measured partly by how it welcomes people with disabilities and particular needs. He also described their lives as a blessing rather than a burden on society.

The remarks came as disability services and funding have been affected by President...