Argentine catholics congregate at Cathedrals

Catholics congregated throughout the country last night to participate in a night-long vigil culminating in live footage of Pope Francis’ coronation Mass in Rome, that took place at 5.30am today (local time).

The main spectacle was seen at Plaza de Mayo in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral, where huge screens and Vatican and Argentine flags were set up for people to joyfully celebrate the beginning of Francis’ papacy..

The crowds were composed primarily of youths who braved the chilly temperatures, while entertainment was provided by current pop sensation Axel and the rock-and-roll priest César Scicchitano among others.

One of the most emotional moments of the night was when the newly elected pontiff surprised all demonstrators through a conference call at 3.35 am (local time).

Just like he did the first day he addressed the Plaza San Pedro Square when he was elected to head the Roman Catholic Church, he again called men and women of faith to pray for him and asked them a “favor”: “Let’s take care of each other. Take care of yourself, don’t hurt yourself. Care about life, family, nature, the children and the elderly."

Former archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Bergoglio thanked the people at the Plaza de Mayo calling them “dear sons.” “I know you are praying and I need those prayers a lot,” he said in a peaceful tone while excited men, women and children –many of them with tears in their eyes-, welcomed the Pope’s blessing with joy and already started responding to his message by collecting food for low-income neighborhoods.