Pope Leo XIV (left) leads a holy mass in the city of Lujan. (EPA Images pic)LUJAN: Pope Leo XIV drew vast crowds to Argentina's holiest shrine Wednesday, the final day of his visit before he departs for Peru, where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary.
Authorities said two million people packed the streets around the Basilica of Lujan, with some climbing fences, barriers, trees and lampposts for a glimpse of the pontiff as crowds chanted "thank you Leo for your blessing."
The stop at Lujan is the emotional centerpiece of Leo's first visit to Argentina, where his predecessor Francis never returned home as pope.
"This is a very important moment for us, we had an Argentine pope and he wasn't able to come, that hurt me," said 76-year-old Estela Adorno.
