Faith, friendship, hope – Youngsters on Pope Leo XIV visit

Most of the young people who came to hear Pope Leo XIV in Buenos Aires this week arrived in groups. Crowding around the Monument to the Spaniards, boys and girls could be seen accompanied by their families, but above all by classmates from religious schools and members of parish organisations.

Far from the despondency that often creeps into conversations among adults, optimism prevailed among the younger generation. None of those who spoke knew much about the Pope's schedule in Argentina, or had listened in detail to his speeches. But they were still there. Some had come out of faith, others out of curiosity, and many simply for the chance to share an experience with their friends.

A group of around 15 students from the school attached to a vocational training centre in La Boca spent the afternoon sitting in a circle, drinking mate. They were accompanied by Liliana, a cookery teacher.

"We came to spend time together and see the Pope," said Fátima. Her friend Priscila said what attracted her most to the gathering was "brotherhood.”

Technology, one of the subjects most frequently addressed in Leo XIV's speeches, was not among the teenagers' main concerns. Asked about the social, economic and political issues raised by the Pontiff during his visit, one of them acknowledged that the situation was worrying, but sought to emphasise a different point.

"It's worrying, but I feel there will always be a shortage of money. We shouldn't let ourselves get down. We need to have the will to keep going," she said.

Daiana travelled from Lanús with her daughter Merlina, her partner William and her mother-in-law, Virginia.

"I came out of faith. My mother was very religious and this is something historic. It's important for someone like the Pope to speak to young people. I had my daughter when I was 18 and sometimes, when you have nothing, you have to hold on to your faith," she said.

All four agreed on what they had liked most about Leo XIV's presence in Argentina so far: his visit to the Cottolengo Don Orione home for people with disabilities and special needs in Claypole.

"It's essential that someone so important draws attention to a place that needs so much," they said.

Zoe travelled from Longchamps with her parents and siblings. The family was also joined by Lourdes, a friend of the teenager who had come from Guernica. They arrived early and passed the time waiting with biscuits and tereré, a cold version of the traditional mate drink. 

Amid the day's events, the girls had another reason to celebrate: while waiting for the Pope, they received the news that they had passed their exams.

"I came yesterday and had a good time, so I wanted to come back. I've been baptised, received my First Communion and been confirmed, but I had drifted away from my faith and now I'm trying to find my way back," Lourdes said.

Zoe, meanwhile, had always maintained a closer connection with the Church through her family. Her brothers are members of the Scouts, in fact.

"I couldn't miss this day," she said.

Although neither had followed Leo XIV's tour in detail, both had a strong recollection of the late Pope Francis.

"Over the past few days I've been watching lots of old interviews. It's a message of hope," Zoe said.

When the conversation turned to the use of technology, Zoe's mother, Silvina, joined in, revealing that the family had been through a difficult experience involving online grooming.

"We had to go through it together and there was a lot, a lot of talking involved. Adults have to be there and support their children," she said.

Silvina works at a day centre. She praised the Pope's comments on Argentina's political and social situation.