As Argentines mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a prevailing sentiment among the faithful is the lingering question of why the pontiff never returned to his homeland during his papacy. Many attendees at a Mass held in his honor expressed disappointment over his absence from Argentina.
Laura Aguirre, a bakery cashier, articulated her feelings, stating, "I have to be honest, I didn’t like that he never came to Argentina." This sentiment was echoed by others gathered outside the BasÃlica de San José de Flores, near Francis's childhood home, where speculation arose that his avoidance of politics was a factor in not visiting the country despite numerous invitations from local leaders.
Francis had a complicated relationship with Argentine presidents throughout his papacy. He initially clashed with former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over same-sex marriage, though they reconciled later. He also opposed some policies of former President Mauricio Macri and publicly criticized the legalization of abortion under President Alberto Fernández. Current President Javier Milei, who previously insulted Francis, has since apologized and plans to attend the pope's funeral.
Many recalled personal interactions with Francis, highlighting his compassion and connection to the community. Sebastián Morales, who met the future pope while struggling with addiction, shared how Francis provided support and encouragement during a difficult time in his life.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding his election, public perception of Francis among Argentine Catholics has declined, with approval ratings dropping from 98 percent shortly after his papacy began to 74 percent in 2024, according to the Pew Research Center. Church officials emphasized that Francis remained connected to Argentina, even from afar.
However, his absence has left many feeling hurt. Some expressed that he should have transcended political concerns and visited his homeland, while others noted that he was a global figure rather than solely the pope of Argentina.
Unlike his predecessors, who returned to their native countries shortly after their elections, Francis never visited Argentina after becoming pope in 2013. His travels included neighboring countries but notably excluded Argentina, leading to frustration among many citizens.
Experts suggest that the political divide in Argentina may have influenced Francis's decision to avoid a visit. Some believe he wanted to be remembered for his global impact rather than his Argentine roots. Others noted that his actions were often misinterpreted through a political lens, causing him distress.
Francis had previously expressed interest in visiting Argentina, mentioning that a trip was planned for 2017 but was postponed. He reiterated his openness to visiting in a 2023 interview, indicating that scheduling conflicts had hindered his return.
Many Argentines feel a sense of loss over the missed opportunity for a papal visit, with some comparing the potential joy it could have brought to the euphoria experienced during the national soccer team's victory in the 2022 World Cup. The desire for a visit remains strong among those who wished to welcome him home.