Holy Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján
At approximately 8.30 (12.30 in Rome), Pope Leo XIV left the Buenos Aires Federal Penitentiary Complex and transferred by car to the Basilica of Luján, where at 10.00 (14.00 in Rome) he presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, in the presence more than two million faithful in the square and street in front of the Basilica, according to estimates by the local authorities.
Upon arrival at the Basilica, the Pontiff toured among the faithful in an open car.
After the introductory rites and the Liturgy of the Word, the Pope delivered his homily.
At the end of the Holy Mass, Archbishop Jorge Eduardo Scheinig of Mercedes-Luján addressed some words of thanks to the Holy Father and, immediately afterwards, the Pontiff thanked the Argentine nation for the welcomed afforded to him.
At around 11.55, after the presentation of the gift and the Golden Rose, the Holy Father left the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján and transferred by car to Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, stopping along the way at the Villa Marista San José de Luján to address a brief greeting to the volunteers of the Journey in Argentina gathered in the garden.
The following are the homily delivered by Pope Leo XIV during the Eucharistic celebration, after the proclamation of the Gospel, and the words of thanks at the end of the Holy Mass:
Homily of the Holy Father
Dear brothers and sisters,
The reading from the prophet Isaiah that we have just heard invites us to imagine different types of terrain: the desert, the steppe and the mountain. All of them are called to bloom and sing for joy as they reflect the glory of God. Let us also consider today this beautiful country and the varied geography with which the Creator of the universe has adorned it: vast plains and mighty rivers, numerous mountain ranges, green plateaus and broad plains, deep seas, majestic glaciers and vast deserts. In all of its splendor and beauty, the entire land at the “end of the world” sings of the Lord’s glory.
Isaiah goes on to say that just as God causes water to spring forth in the parched land, making it more fertile, so too does he quench the deep thirst of human beings and heal them of their illnesses, opening the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf. Dear brothers and sisters, these images speak to us of a new era and a promise of liberation. Do not be afraid, God is with us. Rejoice and be strong with the strength that comes from the Lord.
During these days, I have been able to see the richness of Argentina — not only in its geography but also in its people, in each one of our encounters, in the squares and streets and in the creativity, the spontaneity and the life that overflows at every turn. In the Magnificat that we have proclaimed as the Responsorial Psalm, the Virgin Mary likewise overflows with joy in the Lord and praises him for the wonders that he works in her. I thank God for the opportunity to meet this beloved people who open their doors to everyone and who share their bread as well as their music. In this country there is always a place at the table for the newcomer, time is set aside to chat “between sips of mate,” and a helping hand is extended to those in need.
Today, at the house of Our Mother of Luján, my thoughts turn in a special way to our beloved Pope Francis, who always carried the Patroncita morena in his heart. He taught us through his life always to love and venerate her. He continues to teach us this lesson from the place he chose for his burial, which is located so close to an icon of the Blessed Mother. In fact, his parting words were often: “May Jesus bless you and may the holy Virgin watch over you.”
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. It consists of four steps: reconciliation, enlightenment through the word of God, communion, and being sent forth on mission. Mary, standing at the foot of the Cross, unites herself to the Eucharistic Sacrifice and accompanies us on this journey (cf. Saint John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 56-58).
Many of our brothers and sisters — or even we ourselves and our families — may currently be living through moments of Calvary, suffering from illness, poverty, unemployment, discrimination or family breakdown, among other problems. In those dark moments, we understand Mary’s experience at the foot of the Cross, with her mother’s heart torn with grief. In that most terrible moment of her life, Mary received a new mission from her Son, embracing all humanity in her mother’s heart. We are likewise called to receive God’s grace and to undergo processes of forgiveness and reconciliation that renew peace, hope and charity within us. Let us be sincere, acknowledge our faults and ask the Lord for forgiveness; forgiveness for that beggar, for that tear I caused to fall; forgiveness for those eyes that, when they met mine, I refused to look at (cf. Zamba del perdón). We also need to reconcile ourselves with our past and present, in order to build a new future where love has the final word.
Let us also recall the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were walking along with sad faces, and were discouraged and weighed down by the harsh reality of the Lord’s death. At that moment, the risen Jesus appeared and explained the Scriptures to them. When they shared a meal together, they recognized his presence, which had set their hearts on fire (cf. Lk 24:13-35). Dear brothers and sisters, that is often our experience too, for we also can feel tired, disappointed or disoriented. 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 (cf. Ps 119:105).
As a third step, after reconciliation and enlightenment through the word, we are called to communion. Christ himself invites us to his table, and at that table we are all welcome (cf. Mt 22:9-10). There is a place for everyone, especially for those who are most in need: the poor and the hungry, migrants, the sick and prisoners, with whom the Lord identifies (cf. Mt 25:35-40). Indeed, “the Eucharist, which is the sacrament of unity, nurtures our belonging to the Body of Christ and teaches us how to share. The diverse sensibilities present in the Church and the strong convictions that animate each person are a source of richness if they remain anchored in the certainty that unity is a gift received and a responsibility to be fulfilled” (Magnifica Humanitas, 88). 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.
We are invited to demonstrate charity in the manner of Christ. Mary also teaches us that way at the foot of the Cross, for there on Calvary, both she and her Son loved to the end (cf. Jn 13:1). Loving like Christ is not a matter of doing great things, but of remaining faithful at the Lord’s side, just as his mother did, both in times of suffering and in times of joy, glory and light. It is a matter of looking at life through heavenly eyes and painting each of our days with the color of hope. We know that there are many difficulties, but the Lord also inspires heroic acts of charity in our people. These include the father who rises early every day to bring bread home, the mother who stays by her sick child’s side during long nights in the hospital and the good friend who shares his time with those in need.
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! As Saint Augustine tells us: “Love and do whatever you please: if you are silent, be silent out of love; if you cry out, do so out of love; if you correct, correct out of love; if you forgive, forgive out of love. May the root of charity dwell within you; from that root, nothing but good can spring forth” (cf. Saint Augustine, Homily on the First Letter of Saint John to the Parthians, 7:8).
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.
Words of thanks of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the conclusion of Holy Mass
Dear brothers and sisters, I give thanks to God for the experiences I have had during my visit to this country, the birthplace of our beloved Pope Francis. I thank all those who made my visit possible: the civil and religious authorities, the organizers and volunteers, as well as the many individuals, families and communities who took part in each of the events or followed them through the various means of communication. Thank you, Argentina, for welcoming me with open arms!
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. 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.
May God bless this land of Mary Immaculate, whose sky-blue and white mantle is reflected in the colors of its flag. May the peoples of the north, with their hills and valleys; of the south, with their imposing glaciers; of the east, with their rivers and jungles; and of the west, with their majestic mountain ranges, give glory to the Lord for so many gifts received. In his name, may you all go forth and proclaim the Gospel with joy and gratitude.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly; I have indeed felt at home. 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!
