Four minutes late according to the clocks, but never for the hearts that awaited him. Pope Leo XIV landed in Argentina and the bells began to ring in the City of Buenos Aires, announcing an arrival that many had awaited with profound emotion.

The Argentine National Anthem began to play. Leo XIV had already set foot on Argentine soil. Within the Catholic community, the emotion was palpable. Outside of it, perhaps some wondered why so much joy, why so many tears, why such anticipation. But there are things the heart feels that words cannot express.

Beyond the formal greetings, there was a scene that will surely be etched in the memory of this day: the children, the young people and the families who received him on behalf of an entire town.

With their welcome gifts, their smiles and their hopeful looks, they were the first to give the Holy Father something that no protocol can organize: the spontaneous affection of those who awaited this meeting with open hearts.

And there were the tears of a little girl who had been waiting for him. Tears that seemed to express the emotion of thousands of Argentinians. Because, sometimes, a single look can tell what an entire nation feels.

Leo XIV greeted them, received their gifts, and bestowed his blessing upon them. There were smiles, tears, and outstretched hands. But above all, there was a sense of closeness.

Having just landed after his trip, the Pope took the time to stop, look around, listen, and greet people.

And perhaps therein lies the first great image of this visit: not only that of a Pontiff arriving in a country, but that of a shepherd meeting his people.

The bells announced their arrival. Hearts began to tell another story.

Ana Tina Colussi

Special coverage of the apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina

Buenos Aires, November 8, 2026