Buenos Aires, Argentina — In a deeply emotional and historic gathering, thousands of Argentinians flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday to bid farewell to their beloved native son, Pope Francis, with a grand open-air Mass described by many as a “symbolic embrace” from a nation in mourning.
The Mass, held at the iconic Plaza de Mayo, just steps from the Metropolitan Cathedral where the late pontiff once celebrated countless services as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was a vibrant yet solemn tribute. People of all ages — from elderly citizens clutching rosaries to schoolchildren waving white-and-yellow Vatican flags — gathered under an overcast sky to pray, sing, and reflect on the life and legacy of the first Latin American Pope.
The service was led by Cardinal Mario Poli, Pope Francis’ successor as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who delivered a stirring homily that echoed across the packed plaza.
“Hoy, Argentina llora, pero también celebra,” (Today, Argentina weeps, but also celebrates) Cardinal Poli said. “We embrace Pope Francis not with hands, but with hearts full of gratitude. His spirit belongs to the whole world now, but his soul was always, and will always be, Argentinian.”
A Moment of National Unity
In a country often divided by politics and economic struggles, the farewell to Pope Francis brought rare moments of unity. Leaders from across Argentina’s political spectrum, including President María Eugenia Vidal and opposition figure Sergio Massa, stood side-by-side at the service.
“For one moment, we are not defined by political party or ideology, but by our shared humanity and faith,” President Vidal remarked.
The open-air mass was punctuated by symbolic gestures: the release of white doves into the cloudy skies, the playing of traditional Argentine folk songs, and a communal recitation of the Ave Maria in Spanish. Many wept openly, holding photographs of Francis in his early days as Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Large screens displayed images from Francis’ most memorable moments: washing the feet of prisoners, embracing refugees, and his heartfelt call for “una Iglesia pobre para los pobres” (“a Church for the poor”).
Personal Memories and Tributes
For many, the goodbye was deeply personal.
“Mi papa me contaba de cómo era el Padre Jorge, siempre humilde,” said 78-year-old Maria Torres, clutching a worn-out prayer book. (“My father used to tell me how humble Father Jorge was.”)
Young people also turned out in droves, testament to Pope Francis’ special connection to the youth. Dozens of school groups arrived with hand-drawn banners reading, Gracias Papa Francisco and Siempre en Nuestros Corazones (“Always in Our Hearts”).
International Reactions
Across Latin America and the world, tributes continued to pour in.
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called Pope Francis “the bridge between continents and consciences.”
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Francis’ “unwavering voice for the marginalized and the environment.”
- Faithful gathered in cities from Manila to Madrid, celebrating simultaneous Masses in his memory.
A Pope Who Never Forgot Home
Though Pope Francis lived in the Vatican for over a decade, he never lost his deep connection to Argentina. He often referred to himself simply as “un hijo de esta tierra” (“a son of this land”), and he regularly reached out to old friends and local charities back home.
Despite invitations from several Argentine presidents, Pope Francis never returned for an official state visit during his pontificate, a decision that fueled much speculation but which many now see as his way of keeping Argentina from political entanglements.
“His absence was not distance,” Cardinal Poli reminded the crowd. “It was a gesture of love — to stay above earthly conflicts so that he could serve all of humanity.”
What Happens Next
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning. Flags across the nation are flying at half-mast, and churches are keeping their doors open day and night for special prayer services.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica, but Argentine officials have already confirmed that a permanent memorial site will be created in Buenos Aires to honor their native son.
