Luján was Pope Leo XIV’s final stop in Argentina and, after four days of engagements, the Catholic leader has now taken off from Ezeiza International Airport bound for Peru, where he will continue his tour of South America.
Before his departure, he was seen off at Argentina's main air terminal by President Javier Milei, Prsidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno in a short ceremony with full military honours.
Highlighting the impact of the papal visit, President Milei appeared visibly moved at the final farewell and was unable to hold back his tears.
Pope Leo XIV’s successful visit ended with a Mass attended by huge crowds in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, which drew more than three million worshippers, according to estimates put out by the provincial government.
At the end of the service, he said: “Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I felt right at home. Farewell, dear Argentina!” His words were met with applause and cheers from the thousands of faithful who had gathered at the shrine to see him off.
He also asked for a special blessing for the country: “May God bless this land of Mary Immaculate, whose blue-and-white mantle has become the colours of its flag.”
The Pope called on those present to continue their religious mission and carry the message beyond the celebration. “Go and proclaim the Gospel with joy and gratitude,” he urged.
“Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth. Let us remain united in Christ, praying for one another,” he added.
Karina Milei bid farewell to the Pope on her social media accounts. “After four days of profound spirituality and emotion, we bid farewell to our beloved Holy Father,” she wrote.
She also said that the Argentine people had “rose to the occasion of this historic pastoral visit” and thanked the teams from the Church, the national government and the various jurisdictions who had worked on the organisation.
“Thank you, Holy Father! Argentina will always be waiting for you!” she concluded.