BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world as Pope Francis, spent his childhood in Buenos Aires but has not returned to Argentina since becoming pope in 2013.
This absence has left many Argentinians feeling bemused and disregarded by the first pope from Latin America. The reasons behind his decision not to go back became a hot topic across media platforms in Buenos Aires following his passing on Monday.
While Pope Francis himself has been reticent about his decision to stay away, insiders and those familiar with Vatican dynamics suggest he aimed to avoid the deeply divided political climate prevalent in his homeland. A long-time friend from his youth, Ardina Aragon, now in her 90s, said, “It’s unfortunate because having an Argentine pope should have been a source of pride for us. I believe political issues played a big part in his absence.”
Francis, well-known for his love of soccer and tango, had a somewhat fraught relationship with several Argentine administrations. This tension, especially with President Javier Milei, who rose to power in 2023, only compounded the complexities.
The euphoria in Argentina when Pope Francis was elected mirrored the joy of their World Cup wins. However, his standing at home waned over the years. A Pew Research Center survey revealed this trend: a steep decline from 91% in favor of Francis in 2014 to 64% a decade later.
“There are those who feel he erred in his decisions. Not all of us take pride in the association,” noted Adriana Lombardi, a retired teacher, referring to conservatives within Argentina’s Catholic community who feel Francis has strayed. Despite Buenos Aires being his place of origin, some locals felt abandoned by his ongoing absence.
“Given his history here, it seems he has little concern for us,” commented Bruno Rentería, who had just been praying at the Basílica de San José de Flores in front of an icon of the Virgin Mary. Long-time church members reminisced about the very confessional where the young Bergoglio felt his calling. “It’s curious since he seems to find time for everyone else.”
Roots of the political divide trace back to when Bergoglio, during his tenure as archbishop, openly criticized the political scene marked by leaders like Néstor Kirchner and his wife Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Bergoglio and the Kirchners, both active around the Plaza de Mayo, did not see eye to eye, especially as Francis often spoke against certain political behaviors perceived as autocratic. This widened the gap as Cristina’s government advanced liberal reforms, including pioneering same-sex marriage in the continent.
Moreover, voices aligned with the Kirchners accused Francis of turning a blind eye during the 1976-83 military dictatorship. As head of Argentina’s Jesuits, Francis rejected these allegations vehemently, reflecting in his memoir how he helped those targeted by the junta.
At one point, however, Bergoglio softened towards the Kirchners, appreciating some of their social welfare initiatives. This newfound relationship posed challenges among Argentine conservatives, as Sergio Berensztein, a local political analyst, noted, who struggled with Francis’s evolving views.
Some detractors dubbed Francis a ‘Peronist pope’ for his critiques of capitalism, referencing the political philosophy of historical leader Juan Domingo Perón. Berensztein explained that everything Francis did seemed to spark debates, especially as Milei criticized his views on social justice and taxation.
Francis, known for his compassionate papal mission, often spoke out about the struggles of Argentines under economic pressures and the response of authorities to protests. Despite a meeting with Milei in 2024 aiming to ease tensions, ideological differences persisted, exacerbated by Milei’s alignment with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Since Trump’s reelection, the pope has openly criticized U.S. policies affecting social justice.
Regardless of the controversies, Francis was cherished by many as a “pope of the people.” While he never returned to Argentina, mentioning plans to visit last year, his influence remained. “He skipped over us,” lamented Lucia Vidal, recalling his evangelizing days in Buenos Aires.
Though John Paul II and Benedict XVI visited their home countries shortly after assuming their roles, Francis’s contribution on the ground in Argentina resonated deeply. Angela Cano, in a Buenos Aires suburb, expressed gratitude for his pastoral care and hands-on approach in barrios affected by violence and poverty, recognizing him as one who connected deeply with the laypeople.
“In Rome, he seemed at peace,” remarked Carlos Liva, a retired cabbie who believes Francis chose to serve globally after a lifetime in Argentina. “Here, there was always criticism.”