In brief
Argentines are coming together to remember Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, whose passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many citizens.
Across Argentina on April 21, 2025, following the Easter celebrations, church pews filled with faithful mourning Pope Francis. The country, deeply shaped by its Roman Catholic roots and still mindful of the Pope's declining health, felt the shock of the news. Grief was evident in Buenos Aires, where many went to express their condolences with candles, flowers, and handwritten messages. “I remember he was a good person, very humble. He always thought of the poor,” shared Susana Perez, 67, at Basílica de San José de Flores, close to Francis's childhood home. The reactions transcended religious and political boundaries, with condolences flooding in. Political leaders, including President Javier Milei, declared seven days of mourning as midafternoon masses were organized throughout the country. Before his papacy, Francis's strong engagement with the impoverished in Buenos Aires had built a familiarity and bond with the community. Thus, many shared personal stories of their interactions with him, showcasing a sense of shared grief. In the shadows of their loss, children discussed his legacy during school tours at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, ensuring that the memory of Pope Francis, a figure still cherished by many, would not be forgotten.
