Mourning for Pope Francis in Argentina

On Easter Monday, life in Argentina continued as usual, with children attending school and businesses operating normally. However, the day took a somber turn as news broke of the passing of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, who was also a beloved figure and fellow Argentine. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as he was born, was a football fan and a lover of mate tea.

Upon his election as Pope in 2013, many Argentines were taken by surprise. After years of service as the Bishop of Buenos Aires, he became a prominent figure in his homeland. The announcement of his election elicited celebrations across Argentina, with spontaneous honking and media broadcasts declaring, "The Pope is Argentinian!" This sentiment resonated deeply with a nation that had longed for representation on the global stage.

As the years progressed, the mood shifted significantly. Following a health crisis earlier in the year, the Pope had been hospitalized with pneumonia, leading to prayer gatherings in churches across Buenos Aires. With only about a quarter of the population regularly attending church services, the decline in religious observance continued despite the Pope's influence.

The day after the announcement of his death, Buenos Aires held a mass in his honor at the cathedral, where mourners gathered to pay their respects. Many congregated at statues of the Virgin Mary to pray the rosary, reflecting the ongoing faith of many in Argentina, even as the percentage of practicing Catholics has steadily decreased.

The decline in religious affiliation is not unique to Argentina; similar trends can be observed throughout Latin America. While the nation had erupted in grief over the loss of football legend Diego Maradona in 2020, the reaction to Pope Francis's passing has been more subdued. The central area of Buenos Aires saw no large-scale gatherings, but images of Bergoglio were projected onto the obelisk, marking a moment of remembrance. The government declared seven days of national mourning, and classes were canceled in all Catholic schools.

President Javier Milei, who had previously been a vocal critic of the Pope, expressed his condolences through social media, noting the honor of having met the Pope despite their differences. This change in tone highlights the complex relationship between political figures and religious leaders in Argentina.

For years, many in Argentina had hoped for a visit from Pope Francis, who had traveled extensively to various parts of the world but had not returned to his native country. The challenges and responsibilities of the papacy likely contributed to his absence.

As the nation mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy as a global religious leader and a native son of Argentina will endure. The passing of this significant figure marks a moment of reflection for many, both in Argentina and around the world.