Pope Leo XIV draws massive crowd to youth vigil in Buenos Aires during South American tour

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina. — Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Buenos Aires Tuesday for a youth vigil with Pope Leo XIV, marking his final full day in Argentina before continuing his three-country tour of South America. Crowds of Catholics and onlookers gathered hours before the pontiff’s arrival, eagerly awaiting a chance to see the first American-born pope. Local 10 News reporter Aaron Maybin was among those witnessing the celebration as Pope Leo arrived in the popemobile to cheers from the crowd. Pope Leo connects with young people The gathering brought together young Catholics who shared personal stories about their struggles and how their faith helped them overcome difficult times. Pope Leo listened to their experiences, offering hugs and words of encouragement. The 71-year-old pontiff addressed the crowd just weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery. Music and performances added to the festive atmosphere as the celebration continued into the evening. As darkness fell, candles illuminated the gathering before Pope Leo delivered a message in Spanish to the thousands of people in attendance. The pontiff encouraged young people to resist social pressures, strengthen their faith and help make the Catholic Church a welcoming place for everyone. Next stop: Peru The youth vigil concluded with a fireworks display, bringing Pope Leo’s final full day in Argentina to a celebratory close. The pontiff is scheduled to continue his South American journey in Peru, a country where he spent many years serving as a missionary and bishop. The visit marks another significant stop on his three-country tour, which has drawn large crowds of faithful supporters eager to see the pope in person. Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.