By Heraldviews
As millions of Argentinians mourn Pope Francis, one lingering question resonates across his homeland: Why did the first Latin American pope never visit Argentina during his 12-year papacy?
The
pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, traveled
extensively—including to all five countries bordering Argentina—but never set
foot in his native country as pope. The absence, which caused disappointment
among many Argentinians, appears rooted in the nation’s deep political
divisions.
A
Polarizing Figure at Home
Francis’s
perceived alignment with Peronism, Argentina’s dominant center-left political
movement, made him a contentious figure among conservatives. Though he denied
being a Peronist, his advocacy for social justice and critiques of capitalism
aligned with the movement’s principles.
"Those
on the right accused him of being a Peronist, and he didn’t want his visit to
deepen divisions," said a close friend of the pope, who spoke on condition
of anonymity. "He always hoped to return, perhaps at the end of his
papacy, but his health made it impossible."
A
Missed Homecoming
Francis’s
failure to return stands in contrast to his predecessors: Benedict XVI visited
Germany, and John Paul II made multiple trips to Poland. But Argentina’s
fraught political climate, where even the pope’s legacy is debated, posed
unique challenges.
"His
humility kept him away," said Ana María Cabrera, a theology professor in
Buenos Aires. "He didn’t want to be used as a political symbol."
Though
he never returned, Francis remained engaged with Argentina, frequently calling
priests and activists there. Now, as the nation prepares to bid him farewell,
many wonder if his death might finally bridge the divides that kept him away.
With additional agency reports
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