Pope Francis Dies at 88: Reflecting on His Legacy

Mourning for Pope Francis in Buenos Aires

News Summary

On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. As the first Latin American pope, he left behind a controversial legacy filled with dramatic highs and lows. In Argentina, his home country, his popularity diminished significantly over the years due to political divisions and controversies. This complex relationship with his nation is underscored by his commitment to social justice and the poor, making his legacy a mix of admiration and disappointment among Argentines.

Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Controversial Legacy Remembered in His Hometown of Buenos Aires

The world bid farewell to Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025. As the first Latin American pope, he had an immense impact globally, especially among those who identified as liberals. However, his relationship with his own nation of Argentina has been a rollercoaster ride filled with both admiration and controversy.

A Changing Landscape of Support

Despite enjoying over seventy percent approval ratings across several Latin American countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, things were different back home. In Argentina, his favorability rating plummeted by an astonishing 27 points from the remarkable 91 percent at the onset of his papacy a dozen years ago. Many believe this drop is linked to extreme political polarization in the country, with some viewing him as a divisive figure.

Political Controversies

Before becoming pope, Bergoglio was notably involved in local politics as a Cardinal and the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He found himself caught in a whirlwind of controversies, especially during the presidencies of Néstor and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. His critiques of Kirchner’s economic policies and his staunch opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage during Cristina’s term stirred up significant debate. He once infamously referred to this legalization as “the Devil’s envy.”

A Complicated Relationship with the Kirchners

Interestingly, after his elevation to the papacy, Bergoglio’s relationship with the Kirchners softened. Cristina even expressed her support for him. But throughout his papacy, he made it clear he would not visit Argentina, a choice he said was to prevent further societal divisions, a decision that didn’t sit well with many of his compatriots.

Critiques and Challenges

Moreover, Francis openly criticized former President Mauricio Macri’s policies, which created a noticeable rift between them. Polls suggested that a staggering 44% of Argentines thought there was a significant distance in their relationship. These tensions persisted, particularly under current President Javier Milei, who initially labeled Francis a “filthy leftist” but later sought to mend fences with him following his election.

Legacy of Social Justice

Even though he faced pushback from more conservative supporters over his beliefs around social justice issues, capitalism, and climate change, Francis’s dedication to the poor never wavered. He traveled to seven South American countries during his papacy yet never returned to Argentina, further complicating his relationship with his home country’s citizens.

Mourning in Buenos Aires

Pope Francis’s death has brought about an outpouring of grief in Buenos Aires. People gathered outside various churches, including the Cathedral and the Basilica of San José de Flores, a place that held deep significance for him. The mix of admiration and disappointment among Argentines reflects a complex legacy. Many acknowledged his humble beginnings and his outreach to the less fortunate as crucial aspects of his life and work.

A Week of Mourning

In the wake of his passing, President Milei declared a week of mourning and ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast. This act recognized Francis’s contributions while subtly nodding to their complicated relationship. A special mass held to honor his memory included heartfelt reflections on his commitment to marginalized communities, celebrating his status as “the Pope of the poor.”

As the people of Argentina reflect on his life, it’s clear that Pope Francis’s legacy is threaded with both light and shadow—a rich tapestry of admiration, disappointment, and ultimately, a determination to uplift those in need.