Seek holiness and evangelize, Pope preaches to 650,000 in Córdoba

November 11, 2026

At a Mass attended by 650,000 in the Argentine city of Córdoba (video 1, video 2), Pope Leo XIV preached that it is “a joyful duty to fulfill the mission that the Lord entrusts to each of us. Yes, dear brothers and sisters, we are all called to holiness.”

The Pontiff celebrated the Mass on the grounds of the Escuela de Aviación Militar, the Argentine air force academy, on the morning of November 10, the fifth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). Pope Leo began the day in Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital, and, following a flight of over an hour, arrived at Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport, from which he was driven to the air force academy.

“This is our task here on earth: to attain perfect union with God,” Pope Leo preached. “Moreover, this calling is always missionary: we must make known to others the beauty that we have come to know in Christ (contemplata aliis tradere).”

“As Christians, we must ‘teach what is consistent with sound doctrine,’“ (Titus 2:1), he continued. “There is no better way to teach than by setting an example with one’s own life, for the world expects from us a lifelong commitment and a witness of prayer.”

After recalling the various saints and blessed of Argentina, Pope Leo said:

Dear brothers and sisters, 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. We celebrate this Holy Mass for the sanctification of the people of Argentina, for the sanctification of all of you.

Open your hearts, and with God’s grace, go forth and be holy (cf. 1 Thess 4:3): at school and in the town square, in family life and with friends, in the countryside and in the city, on the farm and in the office. Go and evangelize!

Following the Mass, Pope Leo visited the archbishop’s residence, where he offered a brief greeting to the thousands who had gathered nearby.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Argentina: Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/10/26)
• Departure from Buenos Aires and arrival in Córdoba, Holy Mass in the grounds of the Military Aviation School (Holy See Press Office, 11/10/26)
• Pope at Mass in Argentina: Mission is a ‘joyful duty’ (Vatican News, 11/10/26)
• Pope Leo XIV encourages Argentinians to remain united in faith (Vatican News, 11/10/26)