In the heart of Pope Francis’ hometown, the faithful gathered to remember their revered spiritual leader, lighting candles in the very church where his faith first took root as a teenager. The same cathedral where he had once spoken passionately as archbishop was filled to the brim with mourners. And, in the streets where he was affectionately known as the "slum bishop," people paused to pray and reflect on a man whose life became synonymous with the struggle of the Argentine people.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was a figure who held a unique place in the hearts of millions of Argentinians. His legacy wasn't just spiritual; it was deeply entwined with the turbulent history of his country. As the first Latin American pope, his life and work were filled with contradictions, which both endeared him to some and alienated others. For some, he was a beacon of hope, while for others, he was a controversial figure whose political stances were often at odds with the status quo.
A Pope Shaped by Political Tension
For many of his critics, Francis’ strong stance on social justice was seen as a direct alignment with leftist ideals. His warm interactions with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, a divisive figure who advocated for populist, left-leaning policies, were frequently cited as evidence of his political leanings. Kirchner’s time in office had been marked by expansive state spending, which many Argentinians blame for the country’s economic decline. These meetings, often filled with enthusiastic exchanges, stood in stark contrast to the more reserved 22-minute meeting Francis had with center-right former President Mauricio Macri in 2016. This divide was emblematic of the political polarization that marked Francis’ tenure, both at home and abroad.
Yet, Francis remained unapologetically dedicated to advocating for the poor and the marginalized. Catalina Favaro, a young woman paying her respects at the downtown cathedral, captured the essence of Francis' complexity. “He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too,” she said, reflecting on his multifaceted legacy. Despite the political rifts, many still found his focus on social justice, his compassion, and his tireless work for the poor to be an inspiration. In a world so often defined by division, Francis was seen as a rebel, one who championed the needs of the most vulnerable, even when it cost him the support of powerful figures.
Political Back-and-Forth: From Reconciliation to Conflict
The political dynamics surrounding Pope Francis reached their peak with the rise of libertarian President Javier Milei. In the months before he took office, Milei had made scathing remarks about Francis, calling him a “filthy leftist” and even accusing him of being “the representative of the evil one on earth.” However, as tensions began to cool, the two met in Rome, signaling a tentative reconciliation. Still, the ideological rifts between them were clear.
In a rare public departure from his usual silence on political matters, Pope Francis made his views known in response to the austerity measures implemented by Milei’s government. When Argentine police used pepper spray against retirees protesting for better pensions, Francis sharply criticized the government’s handling of the situation, saying, "Instead of paying for social justice, they paid for pepper spray.” The pope’s advocacy for the marginalized often put him at odds with the political establishment, but his commitment to his values was unwavering.
The tension came to a head during a massive open-air Mass at Francis’ childhood church, where a crowd of mourners became riled up when they spotted Vice President Victoria Villarruel, a controversial figure with ties to Argentina’s military dictatorship. What had started as a solemn moment of prayer and reflection quickly descended into a scene of political tension, as the crowd began to chant insults and shout at Villarruel. Despite being shoved and jostled, Villarruel managed to leave without harm, but the incident highlighted the deep divisions that still run through Argentine society.
The Pope Who Never Returned Home
One of the most striking aspects of Pope Francis’ papacy was his decision never to return to Argentina after he became pope in 2013. This absence was a source of both sadness and frustration for many of his fellow countrymen, who had hoped to see their beloved archbishop once more. Yet, as Alejandra Renaldo, a local woman, remarked, there was little doubt that his decision not to visit was a deeply political one. “That’s a political decision, there’s no doubt,” she said, expressing disappointment that he had not followed in the footsteps of previous popes, like John Paul II, who made pilgrimages back to their home countries after assuming the papacy.
At the cathedral where Francis had been made archbishop in 1998, the atmosphere was one of quiet reverence. Worshippers gathered to mourn their pope, some leaving flowers and handwritten notes in his honor. In the church of San Jose de Flores, where Francis had first felt the call to the priesthood at the age of 16, residents gathered to remember the humble beginnings of the man who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the world.
The Legacy of a ‘Pope for the Poor’
Perhaps nowhere was the impact of Pope Francis more evident than in the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, where he had dedicated much of his life as archbishop. In areas like Villa 21-24, a district plagued by poverty, Francis was more than a religious leader — he was a friend, a mentor, and a symbol of hope. The people of Villa 21-24 fondly remembered his visits, during which he would sit and share yerba maté with locals, listen to their struggles, and walk the streets barefoot in solidarity with the people. “He was the most humble person in all of Buenos Aires,” said Sara Benitez Fernandez, a devout member of the congregation.
In the ramshackle neighborhoods that had long been neglected by successive governments, Francis had worked tirelessly to establish vibrant community centers. The church in Villa 21-24, once a dilapidated building, was transformed into a hub for prayer, socializing, and education. It was here that Francis, known for his deep connection with the marginalized, had left a lasting legacy — not just as a spiritual guide, but as a beacon of change for those living in the shadows of society.
The sense of grief that swept across Argentina following his death was palpable. President Milei declared a week of mourning, and flags were lowered to half-staff. But it was in the poorest neighborhoods, where Francis’ influence had been most profound, that his loss was felt most acutely. Padre Lorenzo de Vedia, a close friend of Francis and a priest who had worked alongside him in the struggle for social justice, summed it up simply: “It’s a day of pain, but we’re not losing the spirit.”
Pope Francis may have been a controversial figure, but his commitment to social justice, his unwavering dedication to the poor, and his refusal to be silenced in the face of injustice have left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy is one of love, compassion, and an unrelenting fight for a more humane world. And while his political views may have sparked debates, there’s no doubt that his influence on the lives of ordinary people — particularly those in the most marginalized corners of society — will continue to resonate for generations to come.
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