Pope Francis dies without visiting Argentina, the homeland he left in 2013 when he became head of the Roman Catholic Church. His death on Monday at age 88, following weeks of illness, ended an era and left Argentines mourning a missed reunion.
He battled double pneumonia and spent weeks in the hospital before doctors discharged him on March 23. As the first Latin American pope, Francis traveled to over 45 countries. He became the first pontiff to visit Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, Mongolia, and others.
Despite his many travels, Francis never returned to Argentina. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he earned the nickname “the slum pope” by working in poor neighborhoods, known locally as villas. His absence saddened many of his compatriots.
Biographer Jimmy Burns explained that Francis wanted to avoid becoming a political symbol. “He feared his visit would fuel divisions between Peronists and conservatives,” Burns said.
Many hoped he would visit soon after taking office, especially following his 2013 visit to Brazil. Speculation rose again in 2023, but no trip followed. Guillermo Marco, his former spokesperson in Buenos Aires, described it as a missed opportunity. He said the pope had a “tango soul” and longed for a simple visit with his people.
In 2023, Francis told journalists he wanted to return. “They are my people,” he said. “But certain matters needed resolution first.”
Throughout his papacy, Argentina faced political unrest and economic turmoil. President Javier Milei, now leading a recovery effort, once called Francis “the devil’s representative.” He later made peace with the pope. After Monday’s news, Milei wrote on X, “Pope Francis… is now resting in peace.”
Some citizens and commentators believe the pope should have returned regardless of politics. “He could have helped heal our divisions,” said journalist Sergio Rubin.
Former Vatican ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, who studied under Bergoglio, said Argentina always stayed close to Francis’s heart. “He shaped a papacy for everyone,” Pfirter said. “But his roots remained in Buenos Aires.”
Many Argentine Catholics prayed to see him come home. “I’m very sad,” said Rita Hernandez, 83. “It’s as if he walked past the patio of his house but never came in.”
Although Francis never made the journey back, his spirit remained with the people he once served.
