Valentino Merlo Performs for Pope Leo XIV at Historic Buenos Aires Vigil
Over one million youth gathered in Palermo to hear the Pope and local music.
1Historic Youth Vigil
On November 10, 2026, the Monumento de los Españoles in Buenos Aires hosted a historic vigil for Pope Leo XIV. Over one million young people from across Argentina gathered to participate in the event, regardless of their personal religious beliefs or motivations, creating a massive, emotionally charged public assembly in Palermo.
2Musical Performance Highlights
Seventeen-year-old singer Valentino Merlo performed for the massive crowd, delivering a rendition of Trueno’s song Tierra Zanta. The Rosario-born artist, who gained fame at age 14 through viral videos, also energized the audience with his own tracks like Hoy and Si un día estás sola before the Pope arrived on stage.
3Papal Message to Youth
During the vigil, Pope Leo XIV delivered a stern warning to the youth regarding the dangers of social media obsession. He cautioned against the pursuit of popularity, money, or appearance, noting that such desires can lead individuals to lie, betray, or humiliate others just to gain approval from their online peers.
4Moral and Social Warnings
The Pope also addressed the risks of modern societal pressures, specifically criticizing businesses that profit from offering addictive pleasures. He explicitly mentioned pornography and various substances as traps that lead to enslavement, urging the young audience to maintain their integrity and avoid falling into cycles that compromise their personal freedom and dignity.
5Resilience and Spiritual Zeal
Despite his age and physical limitations, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that his fervor remains undiminished. He told the gathered religious figures that while human strength may eventually exhaust itself, the power of God remains constant. He encouraged the Church to continue making noise, echoing a famous call from Pope Francis in 2013.
6Atmosphere in Palermo
Thousands of attendees arrived hours early, enduring a cloudy and humid afternoon in Palermo. The crowd waited patiently on the grass and in chairs, sharing mate while waving Argentine and Vatican flags. As the Pope approached the venue, many participants were seen embracing each other while weeping with visible, profound emotional intensity.
7Political Context of Visit
Throughout his three-day visit to Argentina, the pontiff has challenged the policies of President Javier Milei. The Pope has consistently advocated for a more inclusive economy, expressed support for labor unions, and criticized the government's recent funding cuts that negatively impact assistance programs for the poor and people with disabilities.
8Conclusion of the Vigil
The historic event concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks, accompanied by singing and emotional reactions from the crowd. Pope Leo XIV appeared visibly moved by the massive turnout, marking a significant moment in his Argentine tour. The vigil served as both a spiritual gathering and a platform for social commentary.
Original article: Perfil — Valentino Merlo Performs for Pope Leo XIV at Historic Buenos Aires Vigil