Pope draws 2.5 million to attend Argentina mass

Pope Leo XIV drew an estimated 2.5 million people to his first Mass in Argentina on Monday at the Monumento de los Españoles, at the intersection of two of Buenos Aires' main avenues, officials said.

During the Mass, the pope urged families to speak to their children about Jesus Christ.

He said in his sermon, "Open the doors of your homes to Christ. Speak naturally about Jesus to your children, remain united with him."

Before the Mass, Leo made a pilgrimage to the Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, south of Buenos Aires.

Founded by an Italian priest in 1935, the institution houses more than 400 people with disabilities on its 123-acre (50-hectare) grounds.

The center, known as the "city of charity," has been hit hard by Milei's austerity measures, which have severely affected healthcare and social services.

Some residents and employees wept as Leo arrived Monday and embraced people in wheelchairs. He told them their lives were a blessing, not a burden to society.

Argentina's Congress overrode President Javier Milei's veto last year to pass a law increasing funding for disability care. But his administration has resisted implementation, citing concerns that it would undermine his hard-won fiscal balance.

Leo's visit comes days before the Senate is due to consider legislation that would set aside money for disability benefits in next year's budget. Milei opposes the measure.