Pope preaches to 2 million in Luján, calls for journey from reconciliation to mission

November 12, 2026

At his final Mass in Argentina, Pope Leo XIV preached to two million people outside the Marian shrine of the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján.

Luján is located 45 miles from Buenos Aires, where the Pontiff began the day.

“With a heart full of gratitude for the many gifts that God has poured out upon this country, on this occasion I would like to propose to you a journey that is the same as the one we experience in the celebration of every Eucharist,” Pope Leo preached during the Mass (video 1, video 2), which took place on November 11, the sixth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). “It consists of four steps: reconciliation, enlightenment through the word of God, communion, and being sent forth on mission.”

We are “called to receive God’s grace and to undergo processes of forgiveness and reconciliation that renew peace, hope and charity within us,” Pope Leo explained. “We need a compass, a guide, and indeed we already have it in Sacred Scripture! Let us allow ourselves to be enlightened by it, for the word of God is a lamp for our steps and a light to our path.”

“As a third step, after reconciliation and enlightenment through the word, we are called to communion,” the Pope continued. “Communion with Christ does not cause us to withdraw into our personal affairs, nor does it lead us to take advantage of others’ needs or allow us to shirk our responsibilities. Rather it impels us to be an active part of a community, to share the gifts we have received freely, and to offer what little we have for the good of many.”

The Pontiff added:

Dear brothers and sisters, the final step is the sending forth on mission, just as we are encouraged at the end of Holy Mass. Go and proclaim (cf. Mk 16:15), because “we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Go and evangelize; proclaim the joy of the Gospel through words and good deeds. Argentina, rise up and walk!

The Pope concluded his homily by invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Mother of Luján, my Pontificate began on 8 May, your feast day. Like millions of Argentines who come to your home to implore your maternal protection, I too wish to take refuge under your mantle. Guide me, Mother, in the apostolic mission the Lord has entrusted to me, and guide and accompany the Argentine people on their journey. Help them to build bridges of charity and networks of solidarity; inspire in them the desire to continue along paths of reconciliation, communion and mission, illuminated by the word of your son Jesus Christ and firmly grounded in him, “the cornerstone” (Acts 4:11). Amen.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo thanked all who made his visit to Argentina possible.

“The image of Our Lady of Luján, which accompanies us today, arrived in this nation on a cart and did not wish to continue its journey; it remains with you always,” he said. “The Successor of Peter must now continue his mission elsewhere, wherever the Lord sends him, but he would like to tell you that he carries all of you in his heart.”

“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly; I have indeed felt at home,” he added. “Let us remain united in Christ, praying for one another and entrusting ourselves to the maternal protection of Our Lady of Luján. Farewell, beloved Argentina!”

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Argentina: Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/11/26)
• Holy Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján (Holy See Press Office, 11/11/26)
• Pope invites Argentina to reconciliation, enlightenment, communion, mission (Vatican News, 11/11/26)
• Pope Leo to Argentina: 'Thank you for welcoming me with open arms' (Vatican News, 11/11/26)