Pope Leo has cautioned young people against pursuing wealth, physical appearance and social media popularity at the expense of their values, as about one million people attended a nighttime vigil in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday.
The pontiff delivered the warning during the third major gathering of his 12-day South American tour, which has attracted massive crowds since his arrival in the country.
Thousands of worshippers lined Avenida del Libertador, one of Buenos Aires’ major boulevards, as the pope moved through the crowd in an open-air popemobile.
Many faithful raised their mobile phones to capture the moment, while chants of “This is the pope’s youth!” echoed across the gathering.
Security personnel frequently brought babies forward for Leo to bless as the vehicle made its way through the packed streets.
Addressing the youths, the pope warned against the pursuit of modern-day “idols,” including success and physical appearance, while expressing concern over harmful behaviour on social media.
He said some young people “go so far as to lie, betray or humiliate someone on social media.”
“Do not bow down before anything that cannot give you life,” he said.
The Argentine gathering followed another massive turnout earlier on Tuesday, when Leo celebrated an outdoor Mass in Cordoba, the country’s second-largest city, attracting about 650,000 people.
On Monday, the pope drew an estimated 2.5 million worshippers to an outdoor Mass along Avenida del Libertador in what was described as the largest gathering of his 18-month papacy.
Leo’s visit to Argentina is also aimed at strengthening the Catholic Church’s influence in a country where Catholicism has historically held a strong position but is facing growing competition from evangelical denominations.
The pope, who is also scheduled to visit Uruguay and Peru during the tour, has emerged as a prominent voice on global leadership and social welfare issues.
In Argentina, he has openly criticised President Javier Milei’s economic austerity programme, particularly its impact on vulnerable citizens.
On Sunday, Leo urged Milei not to target the country’s poorest people, amid the government’s spending cuts aimed at controlling inflation.
A 21-year-old student, Valentin Gomez, who attended the Mass in Cordoba, said the pope’s concern for disadvantaged people was particularly important amid the country’s economic difficulties.
“In these difficult times we are living through, he is greatly needed,” Gomez said. “Someone who is truly concerned about the poor.”
Cordoba Cardinal Angel Sixto Rossi, who has also criticised the government’s austerity policies, said the visit would give Leo an opportunity to witness the country’s challenges firsthand.
“He knows how beautiful our people are and the ugly part, the leadership of the government,” he said in an interview with Argentine media. “He doesn’t arrive blindfolded.”
Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said Cordoba was included in the itinerary because its central location made it easier for pilgrims from neighbouring provinces to attend.
Leo, the first US-born pope, spent several decades as a missionary in Peru before becoming pontiff.
The Vatican has described his South American tour as a homecoming, with the demanding itinerary regarded as one of the most extensive papal foreign trips in decades.
