Buenos Aires: Argentina is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the nation’s most prominent religious figure and the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. After months of serious illness, the pontiff passed away, prompting an outpouring of grief across his homeland.
A solemn Mass was held in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where Francis once served as archbishop. The cathedral was filled with emotional tributes — a large portrait of the pope, white floral arrangements, and Argentina’s national flag draped across altars in his honor. Outside, hundreds gathered quietly, lighting candles and praying.
The Argentine government has declared seven days of national mourning in tribute to Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents. He became known as the “slum pope” for his work in the impoverished neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and was widely admired for his advocacy on behalf of the marginalized.
Argentines held a special Mass for their countryman Pope Francis, who died after battling serious illness in recent months https://t.co/Es5k6lxgUE pic.twitter.com/GDRE5FAhMG
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“The pope of the poor has left us, the pope of the marginalized,” said Jorge Garcia Cuerva, the current archbishop of Buenos Aires. “He insisted on building bridges, he insisted that we live in universal brotherhood. The pope was our father, the father of the poor, the father of mercy. The best tribute we Argentines can pay to Francis is to unite.”
Despite never returning to Argentina as pontiff, Francis remained a deeply revered figure among the Argentine people. His progressive stances on social issues and unwavering focus on the underprivileged left a lasting imprint on the country.
“The pope’s death is going to really leave a mark of pain in people’s hearts,” said resident Nicolas Cordoba in downtown Buenos Aires. “It hurts me a lot because I remember mostly his words in support of bisexuals and homosexuals. It literally hurts me.”
President Javier Milei, once a harsh critic of Francis, expressed public condolences and acknowledged their eventual reconciliation. Previously known for accusing the pope of socialism and even calling him “the devil’s representative on earth,” Milei softened his tone after assuming office in late 2023.
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me,” Milei wrote on X. “I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us today dealing with this sad news.”
The president’s office also highlighted Pope Francis’ contributions to interfaith dialogue, youth spirituality, and reform efforts at the Vatican, particularly his emphasis on financial prudence — a message that resonated with Milei’s cost-cutting economic agenda.
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As news of the pope’s passing spread during the early morning commute in Buenos Aires, many paused to reflect.
“It’s such a shame because he fought for a lot of rights,” said Julia Castro, 42, standing near the cathedral steps. Others stood in silence, candles in hand, visibly moved by the loss.
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“It’s such a great sadness,” said Agustin Hartridge. “Yesterday I saw him very deteriorated, but I had faith and I had hoped that he would make it.”
As Argentina grieves, Pope Francis is remembered not only as a spiritual leader but also as a symbol of compassion, humility, and social justice — a son of the nation whose legacy will live on.
