Pope Leo helps Argentines embrace Francis, the pontiff who once divided them
Summary
Pope Leo XIV’s November 2026 visit to Argentina drew large crowds, including many young people, who cheered words and themes associated with his predecessor, Pope Francis. The visit helped Francis gain broader recognition in Argentina, where his advocacy for poor people and his political conflicts had made him a divisive figure.Key Facts
- Leo visited Argentina during a 12-day trip to South America.
- Large crowds gathered in Buenos Aires to see Leo, including many young Argentines.
- Leo received strong applause for the phrase “todos, todos, todos,” which Francis had used to call for an inclusive church.
- Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as archbishop of Buenos Aires before becoming pope.
- During Argentina’s 2001 economic crisis, Bergoglio mobilized church groups to provide services including soup kitchens, schools and drug rehabilitation.
- Francis criticized capitalism and reached out to marginalized people, winning support from some Peronists and angering many conservatives.
- Francis never returned to Argentina as pope, despite invitations from four successive presidents.
- President Javier Milei, who had previously insulted Francis, called him “the most important Argentine in history” at Leo’s welcome ceremony.
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