Argentines grapple with mixed emotions as they process both grief and unresolved feelings surrounding Pope Francis's decision not to return to Argentina during his papacy.
Why Pope Francis Never Returned to Argentina: A Nation's Unanswered Questions
Why Pope Francis Never Returned to Argentina: A Nation's Unanswered Questions
As Pope Francis departs this world, questions linger over his absence from his homeland, Argentina.
As Argentina enters a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis, reflections on his legacy are inevitably intertwined with the unresolved question of why he never returned to his homeland. Many citizens have expressed their disappointment and confusion, feeling a deep sense of loss not only in his passing but also in his decision to stay away.
Laura Aguirre, a 50-year-old bakery cashier, conveyed this sentiment: "I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina," she said during a Mass honoring the late pope outside the Basílica de San José de Flores, just a short walk from Francis's childhood home. Locals speculated that political concerns played a significant role in his absence.
Experts suggest that Francis was wary of being politicized, avoiding situations where his presence could be leveraged by politicians. Sebastián Morales, 37, articulates this concern: "He didn’t want any president to wrap themselves in his cloak, to say ‘I’m the one who brought the pope’."
The relationship between Francis and the Argentine leadership has often been strained. Tensions were palpable during his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he clashed with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over social issues, though they later reconciled. He expressed disapproval of policies from Mauricio Macri and vehemently opposed abortion legislation championed by current President Alberto Fernández.
Notably, Javier Milei, currently in office, had previously insulted Francis, labeling him an “imbecile” over his social justice advocacy, although he later extended an apology. Milei is expected to attend the pontiff's funeral, creating another layer of complexity in their fraught relationship.
As the nation grapples with the dual pain of loss and unanswered questions, the legacy of Pope Francis remains a topic ripe for discussion, consideration, and reflection in Argentina and beyond.
