A Wounded and Divided Country
Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva said Pope León XIV will arrive in November to find an Argentina wounded by poverty, intolerance and political divisions, though he also described a country that refuses to give up. He spoke to reporters after a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, on the eve of the pope's visit and the 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján. The prelate linked this weekend's gathering to the apostolic visit and said the walk to the basilica would serve as preparation.[S1][S2]
Asked what the pontiff would encounter, García Cuerva pointed to political and social polarization affecting daily life. He described a country divided by the so-called grieta, where disqualification and intolerance are commonplace, and where a very large share of people have been struggling and living in poverty for years. He recalled his grandfather's prediction that Argentina would move forward when he grew up, noting that he has grown up and the country remains in the same situation.[S1][S2][S3]
The archbishop also highlighted the resilience of Argentines, describing hardworking people who get up every day, bet on their families and sacrifice, and keep fighting to move ahead. He said the pope would also find a country that does not lower its arms. In a separate press conference at the bishops' conference headquarters in Buenos Aires, he acknowledged points of agreement and many differences with the government, responding to Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno's remark that there is no fundamental difference between the national government and the Church.[S1][S2][S3]
The 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján
The 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján begins this Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m., when the head image of the Virgin leaves the San Cayetano Sanctuary in Liniers. The route to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján covers about 60 kilometers and ends on Sunday, October 4, with the central Mass scheduled for 7 a.m. in front of the church. This year's motto is Mother, in your embrace we recognize each other as brothers. García Cuerva will preside over the central celebration on Sunday and will also lead a Mass during the night of Saturday at 11:30 p.m.[S1]
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During the press conference, the archbishop said more than 20,000 volunteers would be involved in the organization and stressed coordination between the Church and authorities. He noted that national and local governments and the Church sit at the same table. More than one million pilgrims are expected in Luján, while the operation will deploy thousands of volunteers and involve national, provincial and local governments.[S1][S2]
Preparing for the Pope's November Visit
The arrival of pilgrims will also test the logistics being prepared for the papal visit. León XIV will be in Argentina from November 8 to 11, with activities planned in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján, according to the official program released by the national government. The pontiff will celebrate a Mass in front of the Basilica of Luján on Wednesday, November 11, the last day of his stay. Local authorities estimate the turnout could range between one and two million faithful, so a two-kilometer concentration corridor and a staggered arrival of attendees are planned.[S1]
García Cuerva said the trip would be pastoral and would leave challenges for the Argentine Church. He described it as a pastoral visit that will leave homework once the pope is no longer with them, and said the challenge will be to carry out what he tells them. He also said the pope is coming because the people need confirmation in the faith and the Holy Father's message to unite them, bring enthusiasm and hope, and push the Church toward mission. It will be the first time a pontiff sets foot on Argentine soil in nearly 40 years, since John Paul II's trips in 1982 and 1987.[S1][S2]
