On Monday, the Argentine government declared seven days of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis in Rome at the age of 88. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires in 1936, became the first Argentine to lead the Catholic Church from the Vatican in 2013.
The news was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, who announced on social media platform X, “The president of the nation will declare seven days of mourning for the passing of the Holy Father.”
In his statement, Adorni highlighted Pope Francis as a “spiritual leader and guide for millions of men and women.” President Javier Milei also quickly expressed his condolences through social media, sharing his sorrow over the pontiff’s passing.
“It was a true honor to have known him in his kindness and wisdom. As president, as an Argentine, and above all, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and accompany all of us who today face this sad news,” he wrote.
Pope Francis’s Legacy: A Reflection on His Leadership
The Office of the President emphasized that Pope Francis led the Catholic Church with dedication and love from the beginning of his papacy. In an official statement, the presidency underscored his unwavering defense of life from conception, his promotion of interfaith dialogue, and his closeness to young people. Additionally, his gestures of austerity were highlighted as a key part of his pastoral style.
“Pope Francis represented millions with his message of peace, humility, and faith. His leadership at the Holy See leaves an indelible mark,” the statement from Casa Rosada read.
Furthermore, the Argentine government expressed its deep sorrow over his passing, noting, “The Argentine Republic, a country with a long Catholic tradition and the homeland of Pope Francis, deeply mourns his departure and extends condolences to the Bergoglio family.”
How Latin America Responded to the Loss
Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to officially react to the news of the pope’s death. The executive’s message was released just minutes after the news broke, reflecting the significance of his figure both spiritually and historically for the country.
The farewell message was accompanied by a prayer in Latin: “Lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace” (“May perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace”).
Pope Francis’s death marks a historic moment for Argentina and the Catholic world. The country that saw his birth now joins the global mourning for the departure of a pontiff who, for over a decade, guided millions of faithful from the Vatican, promoting values of faith, inclusion, and humility.