By Devin Watkins
At the end of his second day in Argentina, Pope Leo XIV prayed Vespers with the country’s Bishops and synodal teams at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires.
In his address, the Pope recalled the nation’s varied realities and beauty, noting that the Gospel has taken root in diverse peoples and cultures.
Amid geographic diversity, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s maternal presence accompanies all Argentinians in their journey of faith, he said, pointing to her many titles: the Most Holy Virgin of the Miracle, Our Lady of the Valley, the Virgin of the Rosary, Mary of Itatí and Our Lady of Luján.
“In every corner of this Marian land, from the largest cities to the smallest villages, there are brothers and sisters waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel,” said the Pope, recalling the motto of his journey: “Everyone is welcome. Go and proclaim!”
As his encounter with Bishops took place on the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, the Pope said the feast invites Catholics to contemplate the “mystery of the Church, built on Christ, the cornerstone, in which all of us, as living stones, are called to form a spiritual dwelling place.”
He recalled that the late Pope Francis occupied the See of Buenos Aires before he was elected Pope.
Bishops, added Pope Leo, bear the duty to “preserve unity in faith and charity,” in communion with the Successor of Peter.
“I would like to highlight the witness of distinguished Argentine bishops who knew how to work for unity and peace, such as Blesseds Mamerto Esquiú, Enrique Angelelli, and Eduardo Pironio,” he said.
“The saints continue to form saints,” added Pope Leo.
Reconciliation forms another task entrusted to the Church, which he said requires us to acknowledged wounds, let go of resentment, and allow God’s grace to transform our relationships.
Pope Leo XIV then urged the Bishops of Argentina to promote the formation of pastoral workers who can spread the Gospel through charitable works and catechesis, always keeping Christ at the center of all pastoral work.
“We must work together to foster priestly and religious vocations, to accompany families and to care for those living in poverty, who are unemployed or who lack decent housing,” he said.
The Pope said the Church bears a maternal gaze upon all elements of society, discerning human realities in the light of the Gospel, including marginalized communities and people forced to emigrate.
“I encourage you to support initiatives that benefit the people entrusted to your pastoral care,” he said. “Rejoice in whatever promotes the life of your people: honest work, care for those most in need, and institutions that responsibly serve the common good.”
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited Argentina’s Bishops to find strength and wisdom in the Holy Spirit and motherly concern in the Virgin Mary, so that they may learn to be attentive to God’s will.
“May He enlighten and strengthen you to translate into concrete decisions respect for the dignity of every person, the commitment to the universal destination of goods, the preferential option for the poor, and care for creation.” – Vatican News
