Pope Leon XIV arrived in Argentina on November 8, 2026, for a four-day visit, marking a significant moment for the nation. The Pope's visit has brought back memories of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina but never returned to his homeland during his 12-year pontificate. Many Argentines attribute this to the country's complex politics, which may have led Pope Francis to avoid visiting.
A year and a half after Pope Francis' death, his legacy continues to be felt in Argentina. The cathedral in Buenos Aires, where he served as archbishop for 15 years, remains a popular destination for visitors. An screen in the vestibule plays a continuous clip of Jorge Bergoglio, showcasing his life as a priest, bishop, and archbishop. Many Argentines, like 73-year-old Ruben Lozano, regret that Pope Francis never returned to Argentina, believing that his presence could have brought the nation together.
Some Argentines, including Juan Grabois, a lawyer and left-wing politician close to Pope Francis, disagree with the notion that the Pope avoided Argentina due to its politics. Grabois believes that Pope Francis was not afraid of controversy and worked with the country's contradictions. The Pope himself acknowledged that he "did politics" but not partisan politics. His successor, Bishop Jose Garcia Cuerva, has suggested that the Argentines owe a "debt" to Pope Francis for not allowing him to be himself during his papacy.
Bishop Garcia Cuerva has taken steps to ensure that Pope Leon XIV's visit is not seen as a political event. The Pope's themes of social justice, the common good, and the universal destination of goods are expected to resonate with Argentines, who have been struggling under austerity measures for three years. While Pope Leon XIV is not a native Argentine, he has a connection to Latin America, having served in Peru, and many Argentines, like 23-year-old Sol Burgos, are eager to meet him.
Sol Burgos, a student, remembers crying when Pope Francis died and plans to attend one of Pope Leon XIV's masses in Cordoba. She believes that the Pope's visit will bring comfort to the nation, which still mourns the loss of its beloved Pope. Ruben Lozano also sees Pope Leon XIV as a continuator of Pope Francis' legacy, following in his footsteps at the Vatican.
During his visit, Pope Leon XIV will preside over vespers at the Buenos Aires cathedral, a symbolic gesture that may be seen as a tribute to Pope Francis or a fulfillment of a promise. The Pope's visit is expected to bring solace to a nation that has been struggling with economic and social challenges. As the nation welcomes Pope Leon XIV, many Argentines will be watching to see how his visit will impact their country.
The visit of Pope Leon XIV has sparked mixed emotions among Argentines, who are still grappling with the legacy of Pope Francis. While some see the visit as a consolation, others remain nostalgic for the Pope who never returned. As Pope Leon XIV concludes his visit, Argentines will be reflecting on the significance of his trip and its potential impact on their nation's spiritual and social landscape.
Key points
- Pope Leon XIV's visit to Argentina has brought back memories of Pope Francis, who never returned to his homeland during his 12-year pontificate.
