Millions of Argentines, including a generation previously seen as distant from the church, have turned out in vast numbers to welcome Pope Leo XIV, cheering him in Buenos Aires' parks and echoing the inclusive message of his Argentine predecessor, Pope Francis. Leo promised a church open to “everyone, everyone, everyone,” a sentiment, like much of the adoration during the visit, that belonged to Francis.
Francis's fierce defense of the downtrodden made him a moral voice abroad but also embroiled him in political battles at home, which many believe deterred him from returning to Argentina as pope. More than a year after his death, Leo, carrying on Francis's legacy, has made the homecoming Francis never could, helping Argentines embrace their once-polarizing pope as a unifying national figure.
Billboards welcoming Leo bore Francis's face, and pilgrims waved signs proclaiming "Francisco y León, un solo corazón"—Francis and Leo, one heart. Even libertarian President Javier Milei, who had previously criticized Francis, declared him “the most important Argentine in history” at Leo's welcome ceremony.
Francis's Polarizing Past
As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis, then Jorge Mario Bergoglio, mobilized the church during Argentina's 2001 economic crisis. His concern for the poor, however, led to clashes with the long-dominant Peronism movement over issues like same-sex marriage. While Peronists later became some of his biggest supporters, conservatives blamed the movement for economic woes and corruption. Francis's gestures in Rome, even subtle ones, were often interpreted as political endorsements, making a return to Argentina a political minefield.
Francis visited more than 60 countries as pope but never returned to his homeland, despite invitations from four successive presidents. Some believed his criticisms had diminished his popularity at home, leading to him being perceived as a partisan pope.
Worldwide, Francis divided Catholics. He accused Vatican officials of “spiritual Alzheimer’s” and welcomed attacks from American conservatives, delighting progressives with debates on previously taboo subjects, only to later balk at doctrinal changes.
Leo's Softer Approach
Leo, a former missionary in Peru whom Francis elevated, is now carrying forward Francis's causes with a gentler approach. Cardinal Pedro Barreto, an ally of Francis, stated that Leo is clearing the path Francis laid out. Leo has called the trip a "homage" to Francis, following in his footsteps by praying in Francis's old cathedral, visiting prisons, and celebrating Mass at revered shrines. He invoked Francis's name at least 26 times during the visit.
Leo has also revived Francis's calls for young Catholics to "make a mess" and invoked Francis's "three Ts"—land, housing, and work—a rallying cry of Argentina's popular movements. In an address to political leaders, he urged a "careful use of words" and insisted that "the economy must be at the service of the person, not the person in the service of the economy."
Political Resonance
Politicians across the spectrum have sought to align themselves with Leo's message. Axel Kicillof, the Peronist governor of Buenos Aires province, hailed the visit as "very necessary in these times of cruelty." Vice President Victoria Villarruel defended the concept of social justice, and even Milei's spokesman claimed the government's economic policies served the people. Observers note that Leo's message, delivered without Francis's Argentine baggage, resonates more broadly, allowing the church's message on social issues to be heard without immediate political attribution.