Pope Leo drew vast crowds to Argentina’s holiest shrine on Wednesday, the final day of his visit before he departs for Peru, where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary.
Authorities said over 3 million people packed the streets around the Basilica of Lujan, with some climbing fences, barriers, trees and lamp posts for a glimpse of the pontiff.
Crowds chanted “Thank you, Leo!” to the 71-year-old pope, who is on a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru less than a month after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.