Religious groups name a bridge after Pope Francis in Argentina

The Familia Grande del Hogar de Cristo and local priests from popular neighborhoods named a bridge in Luján, Argentina, after Pope Francis.

This naming ceremony took place at the intersection of Ruta 6 and the former Ruta 7, marking a stop for pilgrims traveling toward the Basilica of Luján to meet Pope León XIV. Organizers chose to name the first access bridge to the city after the previous pontiff to honor his work in connecting different sectors of society.

Priests from low-income neighborhoods explained that the name recognizes how Francis built connections between the city and the slums, and between the people and the Church. The group also requested that the site be designated as a sanctuary for the traveling people. The event drew approximately 5,000 people, including members of social organizations and religious communities. The Union of Workers and Workers of the Popular Economy (UTEP) also participated, providing water and assistance to the pilgrims.

These participants joined the crowd to prepare for the final public activity of Pope León XIV's visit to Argentina, which is scheduled for November 11. The local community of Luján, which has about 100,000 inhabitants, is preparing for a massive influx of visitors. The religious devotion in the area dates back to 1630. The organizers linked the tribute to the legacy of Carlos Mugica, a priest killed in 1974, and Rafael Tello, who launched a youth pilgrimage in 1975.

The Hogares de Cristo, a network of community spaces that began in 2008, also supported the gathering.