Leo XIV was emboldened to announce new times and called for fearlessness

Leo XIV has already left our country after his intensely busy visit of barely three days that felt like many more. He has gone and he is already missed, said many young people to whom his presence offered serenity and hope. His respectful manner was contagious in the interactions and expressions of thousands upon thousands who listened to him with marked cordiality. His words and gazes marked the sensitivity and affability that moved everyone. Early on, before departing for Luján where a crowd awaited him eagerly, he visited those who still reside in the prison in the Devoto neighborhood, to this day. In his message, one of the inmates of the San Martín penitentiary unit, who watched him on television, defined the moment as "a blessed morning" following the Pope's words about forgiveness, repentance, and the ability to start over. Leo XIV celebrates Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján VATICAN MEDIA - EFE Then came the gathering in front of the basilica of Luján before many thousands of pilgrims. In his homily at the Mass, he commented on a text from the book of the prophet Isaiah that presents the image of different terrains, both mountains and deserts, that are transformed by water into songs of praise upon beholding the glory of the Lord. Thus, water quenches thirst, relieves, and gives life. These images allowed him to move from poetic language to the announcement of new times. Faithful to his inspiration, Augustine of Hippo, the Pope dared to announce new times and advised not to be afraid, using John Paul II's well-known expression. He applied those images to the Argentine geography and praised the variety of nature and the richness of a people capable of sharing their bread and their music, their closeness and their silences. He said he knew of the moments of calvary and darkness, which led him to recall Mary Desolate at the foot of the cross. For him, the new mission we could undertake requires processes of forgiveness and reconciliation. It entails, he said, taking words from one of the songs sung these days, that we recognize our faults in order to build a better future. Nuns pray at Leo XIV's Mass in the Basilica of Luján. He bid farewell to the country by thanking the people for their affection. Nicolás Suárez - EFE With exquisite catechesis of an exemplary missionary, he pointed out that the liturgical itinerary of the Mass contemplates reconciliation, communion with the Word and the Eucharist, and the mission to which all are sent. In short, to live like Jesus, to be faithful like Mary; and, returning to the poetry of the songs, to look at life with eyes of heaven and paint with the color of hope. Creativity and responsibility Focusing his proposal, he cited Augustine's proverbial and splendid words: "Love and do what you will," which call for creativity and responsibility. And before the image of the Virgin of Luján, wearing in his chasuble the same colors as our homeland, he affirmed that he wished to take shelter under Mary's mantle. He then invited all to create fountains and networks of charity and communion. Possibly his visit may inspire, beyond a moment of calm and inwardness, the inner conversion that transforms social conduct. Leo XIV during his visit to the Devoto prison Vatican Pool - Getty Images South America Furthermore, possibly some people may feel drawn to learn about the thought and spirituality of that great figure of the fourth century of our era, the thinker and teacher of faith that was Saint Augustine. That fundamental Father of the Church, magnificent Latin writer, crafted a synthesis between the philosophy of Plato and biblical revelation. Attracted by the mystery of time as an experience of the soul, at the end of his life he witnessed a historic crisis that would change the world of his time; and from present-day Algeria he suffered the destruction of a culture. A figure who encourages us in moments of difficulty and dismay. For him, the "earthly city" had been built on self-love and selfishness. The one he called the "City of God," on the other hand, on love. Finally, Leo XIV said goodbye with a phrase that served as front-page headlines in the media: "You can say that this country from now on has two popes, one born here and another by adoption." The author is the director of the magazine Criterio