Pope Leo XIV urges Argentines to follow the saints – crowd estimates range from 650,000 to 2 million

His message was pretty direct, especially for young people. According to Manila Bulletin, he urged them to reject 'idols' and follow the model of the saints. Headlines from the trip also quoted him asking young Argentines, "Who told you it was too late?" and telling them to "Go forth and be saints!"

He also had a message for the country's clergy and religious. Vatican News reported him telling them, "Let us not give up!" It was a short line, but it landed with a crowd that clearly came out in big numbers.

He did not stop at faith, either. Philstar reports that he urged people to put people before the economy. Cebu Daily News also quoted him saying that age and ill health cannot "extinguish" his zeal.

Crowd numbers and what comes next

The turnout numbers are not the same across reports. Manila Bulletin puts the crowd at an estimated 650,000 at one event, while Reuters reports 2 million at the final Argentina event. Reuters also says the Pope was set to end his Argentina tour by celebrating Mass with millions.

After Argentina, the trip moves on to Peru, where Reuters says he will have a homecoming. The sources do not say more about his plans beyond that. The earlier meeting with Javier Milei in Buenos Aires was also part of his stay, as SunStar reports.

For many Filipinos, the message about saints, faith, and putting people first may hit close to home. So here's the question for you: do you think the example of the saints still speaks to young people today, or is that message meant for someone else?