A Festive Tribute to the Pope Who Never Returned to His Homeland
On Saturday, thousands of Argentinians from all walks of life, many with young children, gathered in Buenos Aires’ central Plaza de Mayo to celebrate and bid farewell to Pope Francis, the pontiff who never returned to his homeland. The plaza, a political epicenter of the country, transformed into an open-air temple with an altar on the steps of the Catedral where Jorge Bergoglio served as archbishop until 2013, when he left for the Vatican to elect a new pope—who turned out to be himself.
Nurse Agustina Renfiges Urges the Church to Remember the Poor
Among those present was nurse Agustina Renfiges, 46, who arrived early for the service. She expressed her hope that Francis would return and emphasized his popularity among the less fortunate, stating, “Here, the poor loved him. He left many things, especially the idea of serving others in whatever one does.” Her words were filled with emotion as she broke down in tears.
A Blend of Sorrow and Festive Remembrance
Large screens allowed the faithful to follow the mass, while street vendors offered images and souvenirs featuring the late pope’s smiling face. Despite the sadness, there was room for a festive remembrance, with dancing and merriment.
Arzobishop Jorge García Cuerva’s Call for an Active Faith
In his sermon, Arzobishop Jorge García Cuerva urged Christians not to confine their faith within four walls. He said, “Let’s be the Church in motion that Francis always proposed. Let’s be a worried, mobile Church, not one confined to a corner. Let’s be Christians on the move.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the main event in Buenos Aires? Thousands gathered in Plaza de Mayo to celebrate and bid farewell to Pope Francis.
- Who was present at the event? People of all ages, including nurse Agustina Renfiges and many with young children, participated in the celebration.
- What was the atmosphere like during the event? The gathering combined sorrow with festive remembrance, featuring dancing and merriment.
- What message did Arzobishop Jorge García Cuerva deliver? He encouraged Christians to be active and not confine their faith within four walls.
Pope Francis’ Legacy and Impact on Argentinians
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was known for his commitment to social justice and his dedication to serving the poor. His time as archbishop of Buenos Aires left a lasting impact on the city and its people. As pope, he continued to champion these values, making him a beloved figure among Argentinians.
The celebration in Buenos Aires was a testament to Francis’ enduring influence on the country and its citizens. His emphasis on compassion, humility, and social justice resonated deeply with many Argentinians, prompting them to honor his legacy through a joyful and emotional farewell.
The event showcased the strong bond between the pope and the people of Argentina, as well as his commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. The celebration was not only a farewell but also a pledge to carry on his mission of serving those in need.
As the procession made its way through Buenos Aires, participants sang and played drums, some even donning carnival attire. Among the crowd were flags of San Lorenzo, the football club that Bergoglio supported. The atmosphere was festive, with one nun dancing to a popular song that said, “Francisco is passing by / and when he passes, joy comes / sadness goes.”
The day began with a vigil as over a hundred young people camped out in front of the cathedral, staying through the night to follow Francis’ funeral in the Vatican. The mass in Buenos Aires took place shortly after his burial at the Santa María la Mayor church in Rome, near the Argentine embassy.
During communion, priests and laywomen approached the fence to distribute the host among the faithful who raised their hands to avoid being overlooked. Arzobishop García Cuerva concluded his sermon with a choked voice, saying, “Go to heaven and stir things up from there,” echoing Francis’ words that encouraged young people to advocate for their beliefs and social commitment.
