Argentina pained by death of homegrown Pope Francis
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Some in Pope Francis' homeland regretted that he never returned as pontiff, but he gained plaudits for his focus on the poor.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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BUENOS AIRES - Argentines lit candles in sorrow and shock on April 21 at the death of their countryman Pope Francis
Born in Buenos Aires as Jorge Bergoglio in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Francis was the first Latin American pope.
Some in his homeland regretted that he never returned as pontiff, but he gained plaudits for his focus on the poor.
“The Pope’s death is going to really leave a mark of pain in people’s hearts,” resident Nicolas Cordoba said in downtown Buenos Aires early on April 21, where many were just finding out the news.
“It hurts me a lot because I remember mostly his words in support of bisexuals and homosexuals. It literally hurts me.”
Argentina’s presidency office praised Pope Francis’ focus on inter-religious dialogue, building up spirituality among the young and for pushing cost-cutting in the Vatican, something that tallies with President Javier Milei’s “chainsaw” austerity.
Mr Milei, a bombastic economist strongly in favour of free markets, had clashed with the Pope previously, lambasting him as a socialist and even calling him the devil's representative on earth, though patched things up once in office.
“Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honour for me,” Mr Milei added on X.
“I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news.”
The government said there would be seven days of mourning.
In the early morning outside Buenos Aires cathedral, people were finding out the news en route to work.
“It’s such a shame because he fought for a lot of rights,” said Ms Julia Castro, 42, a worker in the city.
Some Argentines lit candles outside the cathedral, where a mass for Pope Francis was planned for 8.30am (7.30pm Singapore time).
“It’s such a great sadness,” said Mr Agustin Hartridge as he lit one candle, adding that he had watched the Pope make a public appearance for Easter Sunday.
“Yesterday I saw him very deteriorated, but I had faith and I had hoped that he would make it.” REUTERS
