It doesn’t really matter whether you’re Catholic or not. The message Pope Leo XIV has left us in his visit to Argentina applies to all of us. His urge to “strengthen unity, heal divisions and embrace diversity” is so timely, so essential in a country infected with discrepancies of all sorts. Among the powerful things, he’s stated: “The progress of a nation is also measured by the welcome it extends to all people with disabilities and special needs.” Our current administration doesn’t seem to take this into account. Leo’s visit to the Cottolengo Don Orione has exposed an aspect of reality that we choose not to see. It’s as if he had lifted several veils to shine light on thorny issues we tend to hide and ignore: addictions, poverty, inequality, discrimination, bullying, narrow-mindedness, bigotry, lack of empathy, selfishness. He certainly gave us a lot, but also received tons of love from millions of Argentines who are extremely grateful and will never forget this historical visit.
Buenos Aires Times, November 14, 2026