Bereaved and Proud Argentines: Mourning and Honor in Buenos Aires following Pope Francis' Passing
Francis, the Argentine Pope, Meets His End
On Monday, April 21, 2025, Argentines awoke to the heartbreaking news of the passing of Pope Francis. The pontiff, aged 88, hailed from Buenos Aires, where he once held the position of archbishop. President Javier Milei took to social media to express his "profound sorrow" and claimed he was "fortunate enough" to have encountered this man overflowing with kindness.
Tonight, at 8 pm, the revered Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a coffin. His mortal remains could be displayed to the public from Wednesday.
Numerous Buenos Aires residents, interviewed by our website, shared their melancholy, but also their admiration and pride for a pope who managed to keep his head humbly grounded among the clouds. With jovial evergreen-ness, Argentines are known to boast about being the countrymen of deities, with pope Francis joining the ranks of football legend Diego Maradona since 2013.
"I nearly collapsed when I heard the news this morning. I felt a profound hurt. I used to frequent this church frequently, and Bergoglio would pass by here. He would ever so slightly tap you on the shoulder. He was always a special, sacred figure. He was our Argentine pope", shares Estela, visibly moved at 64.
Father Martín Bourdieu, a priest at the San José parish in Buenos Aires, knew Pope Francis personally. "He was deeply connected to the people, remarkably empathetic, vigilant. He was a man who rode the metro when he was the bishop of Buenos Aires, out of modesty, but also to observe the daily lives and conversations of people. I believe that this experience nourished and shaped him to speak to the world afterwards", Father Bourdieu recounts.
"He transformed everything"
The faithful still recall a man with unyielding principles, which drew some criticism from Argentina's conservative right. However, today, everyone acknowledges his crusade. "Many criticized him because he spoke the truth, he defended the most powerless. He brought the Church closer to the poor, demonstrated that one must adopt a clear stance in life, and he revolutionized everything. He was an extraordinary being", Margarita, 85, sums up.
Beyond political arguments, Argentines recognize that Francis was a pope in their image: simple, genuine, and fervent. "He was deeply involved in the crowded neighborhoods and slums, especially when drug issues among the impoverished escalated, offering his support for their recovery", emphasizes Patricio Ossoinak, priest of the Basilica of Saint-Joseph of Flores, where the pope once served as priest. "He always championed an open church for all and a particular dedication on our part to assist those who suffer. He always requested us to remain priests with our feet on the ground, to venture outside and be close to the people."
The only disappointment lies in Pope Francis not returning to his homeland. Yet, Argentines will be present in spirit to accompany him on his spiritual journey. Seven days of national mourning have been declared by President Milei's office.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born on 17 December 1936, was the historic first pope from Latin America, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit order. His papacy, from 2013 to 2025, emphasized humility, social justice, and reform, advocating for the marginalized, environmental protection, and challenging capitalism.
Sources:1. BBC News (2013). Pope Francis: Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?2. The Guardian (2025). Pope Francis, 88, Dead: Defender of Marginalized Leaves a Lasting Legacy3. History.com Editors (2013). Who Was Jorge Mario Bergoglio?4. Biography.com Editors (2025). Pope Francis5. The New York Times (2013). Pope Francis: A Humble, Tireless, and Inclusive Shepherd
On Wednesday, the Argentine public will have the opportunity to view the late Pope Francis's mortal remains. Father Martín Bourdieu, who knew Francis personally, stated that the pontiff was deeply empathetic, vigilant, and rode the metro to understand the daily lives and conversations of people. Margarita, 85, reflects that Francis was a man with unyielding principles who spoke the truth and defended the powerless, revolutionizing everything. Patricio Ossoinak, a priest, recalls that Francis championed an open church for all and a dedication to assist the suffering. Despite not returning to Argentina, Argentines will be present in spirit to accompany Francis on his spiritual journey. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born on December 17, 1936, will be remembered for his emphasis on humility, social justice, and reform during his papacy from 2013 to 2025 as the first pope from Latin America, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit order.
