The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, stated that the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV will find "a wounded Argentina" marked by poverty, intolerance, and political divisions, though he maintained that it will also see a country that "does not give up." He said this after a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, in the lead-up to the Pontiff's visit and the 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján. The prelate linked this weekend's gathering with the apostolic visit that Leo XIV will make in November and considered that the march toward the Basilica will serve as a preparation stage. This year, Luján expects the arrival of more than one million pilgrims, while the organizers will deploy an operation with thousands of volunteers and the participation of national, provincial, and local governments. Asked about the situation the Pontiff will find, García Cuerva noted that political and social polarization directly impacts daily life. "He will find a wounded Argentina, a divided Argentina, with that famous rift," he told the press. "An Argentina where disparagement and intolerance are the order of the day. An Argentina where it hurts, where a very large percentage of brothers and sisters are having a hard time, brothers and sisters who have been very poor for many years," he continued in his diagnosis. And he added: "An Argentina that has been in crisis for many years. My grandfather used to tell me: 'When you grow up, Argentina will surely move forward.' I have already grown up and Argentina is still in that situation." Nevertheless, he highlighted society's response and its capacity for resilience: "He will find hardworking Argentines who get up every day, who bet on their families, who bet on sacrifice, who keep fighting to get ahead." Greeting of Jorge García Cuerva to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. They will meet again in November in Argentina. The 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján will begin this Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m., with the departure of the lead image of the Virgin from the Sanctuary of San Cayetano, in Liniers. The route to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján covers about 60 kilometers and will conclude on Sunday the 4th with the central Mass, scheduled for 7 a.m. in front of the temple. This year's edition will carry the motto "Mother, in your embrace we recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters." García Cuerva will preside over the central celebration on Sunday and will also lead a Mass during the night of Saturday, at 11:30 p.m. Pilgrimage to Luján: the operation, the recommendations, and everything you need to know before starting the walk. During the press conference, the archbishop stated that more than 20,000 volunteers will be involved in the organization and emphasized the coordination between the Church and the authorities. "We are sitting at a table—national and local governments, the Church is seated there," he noted. The arrival of the pilgrims will also be a test for the logistical scheme being prepared for the papal visit. Leo XIV will be in Argentina between November 8 and 11, with activities planned in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján, according to the official program released by the national government. The Pope's agenda in Argentina was confirmed: on Monday, November 9, at 11:30 a.m., the massive Mass will take place in Palermo. The Pontiff will celebrate a Mass in front of the Basilica of Luján on Wednesday, November 11, on the last day of his stay. Local authorities estimate that attendance could range between one and two million faithful, so a two-kilometer gathering corridor and a staggered arrival of attendees are planned. Luján awaits millions of people for the visit of Leo XIV: "We are more than overwhelmed." García Cuerva considered that Leo XIV's trip will have a pastoral character and will leave challenges for the Argentine Church. "It is a pastoral visit that will leave us homework to do at home," he said, referring to the commitment the faithful will have to take on once the visit is over.