As Argentina mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the lingering question of why he never visited his homeland surfaces, with many believing political concerns influenced his choice.
Argentina Reflects on Pope Francis’s Absence Amid Mourning
Argentina Reflects on Pope Francis’s Absence Amid Mourning
The death of Pope Francis has reignited discussions around his decision not to return to Argentina, provoking a mix of grief and unanswered questions.
As Argentina bids farewell to Pope Francis, the deep sorrow felt by the faithful is compounded by an unresolved question: Why did their native son never return home during his papacy? Following his passing, many parishioners gathered in Buenos Aires to honor him, and sentiments like those from Laura Aguirre, a 50-year-old bakery cashier, reflected a common frustration. “I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina,” she expressed, capturing the essence of the grief coupled with speculation.
Francis's avoidance of Argentina during his 12 years as pope, despite numerous invitations from presidents and local religious leaders, led many to believe that he sought to steer clear of being politicized. Sebastián Morales, a 37-year-old local, explained, “He didn’t want any president to wrap themselves in his cloak.”
Throughout his papacy, Francis maintained a complex relationship with Argentine leaders. His time as archbishop of Buenos Aires saw tensions with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over same-sex marriage, although they reconciled once he became pope. His disapproval of ex-President Mauricio Macri's right-leaning policies and a strong opposition to the abortion legislation introduced by President Alberto Fernández added layers to his political dynamics.
Current President Javier Milei's critical remarks towards Francis—calling him an “imbecile” for his advocacy of social justice—illustrate the contentious backdrop of Francis’s papacy. Despite past insults, Milei plans to attend the pope’s funeral, further highlighting the intricate bond between the pontiff and the nation's political landscape. As the nation mourns, many are left to ponder the implications of Francis's decisions in their context and what could have been had he returned to the land of his roots.
