The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Córdoba drew the faithful from across Argentina, who highlighted his messages on solidarity, social peace, and support for those in vulnerable situations. The provincial capital is preparing for a main day of religious activities at the site of the Argentine Aircraft Factory (FAdeA).

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In the days leading up to the pontiff’s arrival, many believers gathered in the city of Córdoba to take part in a musical vigil, “Papa Fest,” and a large-scale mass scheduled for this Tuesday.

The visit is a highly significant event for the province, which had not hosted a Pope since the visit of John Paul II in 1987.

The FAdeA grounds, located in the northern part of the city of Córdoba, are the hub for preparations for the main events. Both “Papa Fest” and the final arrangements for the liturgical celebration—to be led by Leo XIV—have taken place there.

In his recent messages, Leo XIV has emphasized the need to promote peace, strengthen social coexistence, and pay special attention to those facing the greatest hardships. These themes were echoed by participants and organizers of the events scheduled in Córdoba.

The text reads, “THIS IS HOW CÓRDOBA WELCOMES POPE LEO XIV! With a joyful heart, our people welcome the successor of Peter to celebrate Holy Mass at the FadeA grounds.”

Among those attending is Zulema, a parishioner from the María Auxiliadora parish in Neuquén, who highlighted the pastoral nature of the visit. “He is an ambassador of Christ,” she said. “He comes to unite all the faithful—the entire Church, above all—as well as others, inviting them to draw closer to God. Many people are currently very far from God.”

She also noted the importance the pontiff has placed on the most vulnerable groups: “In one of the homilies I heard, he placed a special emphasis on those who are most vulnerable, didn’t he?” “To those who need it most—the poor, the sick, and everyone else, including the youth—he comes to offer his love and the message of Christ.”

Joining in these reflections, a nun named Mirta, who belongs to the same parish community, described the Pope’s statements as positive and expressed a hope that his messages would also be taken into account by political leaders.

According to the planned itinerary, following the Mass, the Pontiff will travel to the Archbishopric of Córdoba. Later, at the Cathedral, he will meet with bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, members of religious orders, and pastoral workers.

He is also scheduled to hold a private meeting with a group of about 20 people, consisting of relatives of those who disappeared at the former clandestine detention center known as “La Perla,” as well as representatives from human rights organizations.

During this intimate gathering, the Pope will listen to the testimonies of the relatives and survivors. Among the notable participants is Alba Camargo—a plaintiff in the legal case and a driving force behind the excavation efforts—who was held captive at the age of 13.

By decision of both the provincial government and the Church, individuals convicted of crimes against humanity were excluded from the Pope’s official activities in Córdoba, out of respect for the victims.

The relatives will present updates regarding the site. Between 1976 and 1978, an estimated 2,200 to 2,500 people passed through this detention and extermination center.

To date, the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF) has successfully identified 38 individuals, and thousands of bone fragments have been recovered.

During the dictatorship, the perpetrators used heavy machinery to disturb the ground in an attempt to conceal the bodies.

Once the program in Córdoba concludes, the Pope will return to Buenos Aires; before the day ends, he will join hundreds of thousands of young people for a vigil—in the very same spot on Avenida del Libertador, in Palermo, where he once offered his first Eucharistic prayer.

The Pope’s visit to Córdoba comes amid high expectations among the faithful, who particularly value his calls for solidarity, faith, and a priority focus on the most vulnerable segments of society.

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