As Argentina faces the reality of a future without Pope Francis, a wave of grief surges through the nation, accentuated by a lingering question: why did the first Latin American pontiff never return to his homeland? The day's open-air Mass in Buenos Aires saw heartfelt expressions of sorrow, as many parishioners pondered the pontiff's absence from his native soil.
Laura Aguirre, a 50-year-old bakery cashier, shared her disappointment, stating, "I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina." This sentiment reverberated throughout the crowd gathered outside the Basílica de San José de Flores, which is located close to Francis's childhood home—the place where he first felt called to the priesthood. Many theorized that political concerns might have influenced his decision, as those close to him suggested he wanted to avoid being appropriated by any political agenda, fearing that politicians might declare, “I’m the one who brought the pope.”
Throughout his papacy, Francis maintained a complex relationship with Argentine leadership. He famously clashed with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over the legalization of same-sex marriage; although they later reconciled. Further complications arose with President Mauricio Macri's right-wing policies, and Francis was vocal in opposing President Alberto Fernández’s push for abortion legalization in 2020. Current President Javier Milei, who had previously referred to the pope as an “imbecile” due to Francis's advocacy for social justice, later apologized and met with him at the Vatican last year. Milei is expected to attend the pope's funeral this Saturday, encapsulating the intricate dynamics that characterized Francis's relationship with his home country.
As Argentines reflect on his life and legacy during this period of mourning, the absence of a return visit remains a poignant symbol of the tension between faith and politics, leaving many to seek closure amidst their loss.
Laura Aguirre, a 50-year-old bakery cashier, shared her disappointment, stating, "I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina." This sentiment reverberated throughout the crowd gathered outside the Basílica de San José de Flores, which is located close to Francis's childhood home—the place where he first felt called to the priesthood. Many theorized that political concerns might have influenced his decision, as those close to him suggested he wanted to avoid being appropriated by any political agenda, fearing that politicians might declare, “I’m the one who brought the pope.”
Throughout his papacy, Francis maintained a complex relationship with Argentine leadership. He famously clashed with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over the legalization of same-sex marriage; although they later reconciled. Further complications arose with President Mauricio Macri's right-wing policies, and Francis was vocal in opposing President Alberto Fernández’s push for abortion legalization in 2020. Current President Javier Milei, who had previously referred to the pope as an “imbecile” due to Francis's advocacy for social justice, later apologized and met with him at the Vatican last year. Milei is expected to attend the pope's funeral this Saturday, encapsulating the intricate dynamics that characterized Francis's relationship with his home country.
As Argentines reflect on his life and legacy during this period of mourning, the absence of a return visit remains a poignant symbol of the tension between faith and politics, leaving many to seek closure amidst their loss.
