CNIR World News | November 9, 2026
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Pope Leo XIV celebrated an outdoor Mass and met privately with five survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy on Monday. His trip marked the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades. Officials estimated that 2.5 million people attended the Mass, according to Reuters.
Crowds Gather for Outdoor Mass
People lined Avenida del Libertador as Leo traveled in the popemobile to the Monumento de los Españoles. Some had camped overnight to secure a spot along the route.
In his homily, Leo spoke about the enthusiasm he had seen among Argentine Catholics. He also addressed hardships facing families, including unstable employment, domestic violence and addiction.
Pope Listens to Five Abuse Survivors
The Vatican said the private meeting lasted more than an hour. Leo spoke with each survivor individually and heard their accounts of abuse and their proposals for how the Catholic Church could better support survivors.
According to the Vatican statement reported by Reuters, Leo reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Church’s efforts to protect people from abuse.
South American Tour Continues
Vatican News reported that Leo also visited a care center for people with disabilities during his second day in Argentina. He was scheduled to travel to Córdoba on Tuesday. The pope began his three-country South American tour in Uruguay and is scheduled to continue to Peru.
CNIR Source Verifications
- Reuters coverage of the Buenos Aires Mass and crowd estimate
- Reuters reporting on the Vatican’s statement about the survivors’ meeting
- Vatican News daily bulletin for November 9, 2026
Disclaimer: This news report is provided for informational and educational purposes. The attendance figure is an estimate attributed to officials.
