Argentina Reflects on Pope Francis: Grief and Political Tensions

The death of Pope Francis has prompted a wave of grief across Argentina, compounded by the unresolved question of why he never returned to his homeland. Many speculate that political concerns influenced his decision to avoid visits, as he faced tensions with multiple Argentine leaders during his pontificate.

As Argentina mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the collective sorrow is intertwined with unresolved questions about his occasional estrangement from his native country. Attendees of a memorial Mass held in Buenos Aires echoed sentiments of disappointment over his absence, which many locals felt was a personal slight. Laura Aguirre, a bakery cashier, expressed this frustration: "I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina."

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in history, has been criticized for not including Argentina on his itinerary during his 12-year papacy, which covered 68 nations. Local speculation suggests that a significant factor in his decision was a desire to avoid political exploitation of his image. Sebastián Morales, a 37-year-old resident, noted, "He didn’t want any president to wrap themselves in his cloak, to say ‘I’m the one who brought the pope.’"

The tensions between Francis and Argentina's political landscape have marked his pontificate. While he reconciled some disagreements with prominent leaders such as former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, his presidency coincided with contentious moments. The pope publicly opposed the legalization of abortion, a contentious issue pushed by President Alberto Fernández.

Current President Javier Milei, who once disparaged Francis as an "imbecile" due to his advocacy for social justice, has since mended relations, publicly apologizing for his comments. Milei is scheduled to attend the pope's funeral. The complex relationship between Argentina's leadership and the pontiff reflects broader societal views, which add to the profound sense of loss felt in his absence.

As mourners gather within the shadow of the Basílica de San José de Flores, where Francis once felt his calling, the pain of his separation from Argentina is palpable. The ambiguity surrounding his visits raises feelings of heartache and contemplation about the intersection of faith and politics in a deeply religious nation.

In death as in life, Pope Francis's legacy remains a topic of discussion. His choices, while aimed at maintaining papal neutrality, have inadvertently stirred profound emotions and reflections among his compatriots about their relationship with their homegrown spiritual leader.