Pope Francis: A Controversial Figure in Argentina

In Buenos Aires, the devoted followers of Pope Francis gathered to pay their respects in various significant locations connected to his life. Candles were lit at the church where he first discovered his calling as a teenager, while crowds filled the cathedral where he once served as archbishop. Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, was both a controversial and revered figure, whose journey mirrored Argentina’s tumultuous history.

His progressive stance on social justice earned both admiration and criticism, particularly from conservative critics who linked his ideals to leftist politics. Notably, his friendly interactions with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, a figure often blamed for economic challenges due to excessive state spending, were contrasted with his notably shorter and colder meeting with center-right ex-president Mauricio Macri. “He was a rebel,” said Catalina Favaro, a young Argentine who visited the cathedral to honor him.

Kirchner remembered Francis as the embodiment of a more compassionate church, highlighting their shared admiration for an Argentine writer who celebrated the Peronist movement’s efforts to challenge class hierarchies. Meanwhile, Macri regarded him as a principled leader and a respectable pastor.

During a regular Mass in Buenos Aires, Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva commemorated Francis’ dedication to marginalized groups, describing him as “the pope of the poor.” Despite some misinterpretations of his legacy, he was a beloved figure, even if not fully understood by all Argentines.

Francis chose not to return to Argentina after becoming pope, possibly to avoid the country’s political strife. This decision reached a culmination with current libertarian President Milei, who before taking office, labeled Francis as a “filthy leftist” and even insinuated a darker role. The president later reconciled with him in a meeting in Rome, acknowledging the honor of knowing him despite their differences.

Tensions flared during a service outside Francis’ childhood church when Milei’s vice president, Victoria Villarruel, was met with hostility from the crowd. Known for her connections to Argentina’s dictatorial past, her presence provoked a strong reaction from attendees, highlighting existing political divisions.

Throughout his papacy, Francis traveled extensively but notably avoided visiting Argentina, a decision interpreted as avoiding entanglement in national politics. Alejandra Renaldo, visiting his first church, expressed disappointment in this decision, drawing comparisons with previous popes like John Paul II, who visited their own countries.

Worshippers at the Buenos Aires cathedral, where Francis served as archbishop, paid their respects through silent prayers, flowers, notes, and stickers of his favorite football team. Meanwhile, in his birthplace of Flores, many congregated at the church where he received his calling for priesthood at 16.

Francis’ focus on the underprivileged neighborhoods remains evident through the continued efforts of priests inspired by his dedication. These communities, often neglected by policymakers, cherished his presence and his initiatives to establish strong community centers throughout the years.

In places like Villa 21-24, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, residents fondly recalled his regular visits and efforts to transform their local church into a meaningful space for reflection and community gathering. His humility was cherished, with congregants remembering his choice to walk and use public transport.

Rev. Lorenzo de Vedia, a close friend of Francis, expressed deep sorrow at his passing but remained determined to continue his work. “It’s a day of pain,” he stated, “but we’re not losing the spirit.”