Families gathered at the shrine#
Ahead of the Mass, 96 families, with 534 participants, planned to camp together and hold a prayer vigil before going to the celebration, Agenzia Fides reported. The gathering included parents, children and grandparents, with participants ranging in age from six months to 81 years.fides.org 1 source for this line, starting with Agenzia Fides
Organizer Maite Grimaux told Agenzia Fides that the group secured space at a spiritual retreat centre and extended its invitation to a school community. The initial 60 places filled in less than half an hour, she said, and 120 families eventually signed up.fides.org 1 source for this line, starting with Agenzia Fides
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Luján, Argentina's patroness. America Magazine reported that Leo wore blue vestments like the mantle on her statue and recalled that his election as pope fell on May 8, her feast day. He also asked for her guidance in his mission.fides.org+1 2 sources for this line, starting with Agenzia Fides
Leo's message reached a divided country#
The visit was the first by a pope to Argentina in nearly four decades, The Associated Press reported. Some people at the Mass said they hoped Leo's message might soften political rhetoric. Volunteer Natalia Bosco told the agency that Argentine politicians were aggressive and singled out the president.audacy.com 1 source for this line, starting with Audacy
At a youth vigil in Buenos Aires on Nov. 10, Leo urged young people to turn to Christ and reject what he called "the idols of our time," EWTN reported. The outlet estimated that 1 million people attended; the pope also cited Francis' insistence that everyone is welcome in the Church.ewtnnews.com 1 source for this line, starting with EWTN
The Associated Press reported that Leo spent more than two decades in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop. Born in Chicago, he holds citizenship in both the United States and Peru and is known to Peruvians as Padre Robert.audacy.com 1 source for this line, starting with Audacy
