Pope Francis & Argentina: The Untold Story You Need To Know
Could the absence of a pontiff from his homeland ever truly diminish the impact of his global ministry? Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, a man of the world, never once returned to Argentina after assuming the papacy in 2013, a reality that sparked both curiosity and, at times, a sense of distance among the very people who claimed him as their own.
The news of Pope Francis's passing on a Monday, at the age of 88, after a prolonged illness, sent ripples of mourning and reflection across the globe, but perhaps nowhere more deeply than in Argentina. The streets of Buenos Aires, his birthplace, bore witness to a collective grief, a mixture of profound respect and, for some, a tinge of wistfulness. The world's first Latin American pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, had chosen a path less travelled, a papacy defined by global outreach and a persistent, yet complex, relationship with his home country. Throughout his tenure, the faithful in Argentina, while proud of their native son, often found themselves pondering the reasons behind his prolonged absence.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Monday, (Date is not mentioned in the context, so it can be added as information) |
| Education | Master of Arts in Philosophy from Colegio Mximo de San Jos, and a degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires |
| Ordination | Ordained as a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | Ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires on June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires on February 28, 1998 |
| Cardinal | Created Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on February 21, 2001 |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate | March 13, 2013 (Until Death) |
| Notable Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, concern for the poor and marginalized, promotion of environmental stewardship, and reform of the Vatican's financial practices. |
| Key Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Legacy | Known for his humility, simplicity, and efforts to make the Church more inclusive and pastoral. |
| Reference Website | Vatican Official Website |
The complexities of Pope Francis's connection with his homeland extended beyond mere physical presence. The political landscape of Argentina, marked by shifting allegiances and ideological divides, played a significant role. His perceived stance on social justice and his willingness to criticize economic inequalities often placed him at odds with certain political figures. For instance, Argentina's current leader, Javier Milei, known for his libertarian views, had previously voiced strong criticism of the pope, even labeling him an "imbecile" for his defense of the marginalized. However, a meeting occurred between the two in a highly anticipated private audience on Monday morning, showcasing a possible rapprochement. This meeting suggests the intricacies of the pope's influence extended beyond religious matters, touching upon the political spheres, both domestic and international.
His relationships with Argentinian leaders were multifaceted. While he held a deeper relationship with Daniel Scioli, former Buenos Aires governor and vice president under Nstor Kirchner, he was seen with former President Mauricio Macri. This highlights the complex interplay of personal relationships and political ideologies that shaped the pope's interaction with his home country.
The news from the Vatican, of the Popes passing, reached Buenos Aires, prompting a wave of grief and remembrance. Masses for his health had been held throughout the South American country. A large mass was planned at the capital's Plaza Constitucin, a location where the Pope, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, once mingled with the public during Argentina's ongoing economic crisis. The memory of the Pope's presence in the streets of his homeland, particularly in times of hardship, became a significant part of his legacy.
One of the most poignant aspects of his connection with Argentina was his identification of a role model: the 18th-century Argentine laywoman, Mama Antula. She was known for her work with the poor and her efforts to keep Jesuit spirituality alive after the order was suppressed. Francis never hesitated to hold up her as a symbol of faith and service. In February, Pope Francis presided over the canonization mass of Mama Antula, who was the first female Argentinian saint, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, further cementing her place in Argentine history.
His childhood passion for soccer, his support for the San Lorenzo team, and his fondness for traditional Argentine culture were always present, even as he ascended to the highest office in the Catholic Church. This was a part of his identity that he never abandoned. He was often seen holding San Lorenzo's colors. Maria Teresa Delgado held a portrait of the late Pope Francis during mass at the Baslica de San Jos de Flores, where he worshipped as a youth, following the Vaticans announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025.
The absence was felt deeply. The Argentines, long used to seeing images and news about the Pope, had grown accustomed to hoping for a visit. The death prompted numerous heartfelt tributes, including one written by Carolina Bergoglio. Mauro noted that the Argentine government had not invited the family to official events. On the day of his funeral, a drone view showed people taking part in a march to pay their respects in Buenos Aires.
The legacy of Pope Francis in Argentina is a tapestry woven with threads of faith, politics, culture, and personal connection. The curious absence of the Pope in his home country, and the complex nuances of his relationships with political figures, created a unique narrative. He never set foot in his homeland after becoming pope in 2013, but this did not diminish the impact he had on his country. In fact, his influence in many ways was perhaps amplified by his global position.
The Pope's perspective also was rooted in his deep understanding of the history and the societal dynamics of the nation. He followed Argentine news closely, which helped in shaping his views. His reflection on the "deep wounds" the Argentine dictatorship caused to two Jesuit priests demonstrates his concern for justice.
His story is the story of a man of the church, a man of the world, and a man of Argentina, and it will undoubtedly be one of the most discussed and debated in the history of the papacy.
