First Anniversary of Pope Francis's Passing: Hometown Argentina Holds Memorial Events
On the first anniversary of Pope Francis's passing, around 2,000 people gathered at a church in his hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to hold a memorial mass and honor his spirit of 'faith without borders' and social justice.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 23:55
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 00:02 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 05:05 (5h 3m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Huang Yun-ju, Buenos Aires, 22nd) Around 2,000 citizens in Argentina gathered at a church in Buenos Aires on the evening of the 21st to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of the late Pope Francis. They affirmed his spirit of "faith without borders" and his promotion of Catholic influence to the world.
Pope Francis was Argentine. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Although he never returned to his hometown during his tenure, Francis remained tightly connected to his native land through his words and deeds, conveying love and care.
Churches across Argentina held memorial masses for Francis on the 21st. The San José de Flores Cathedral in the Flores district of the capital, closely related to Francis's upbringing, became an important place for people to go for silent prayer and remembrance. The Flores district is located on the southwest side of the capital and still retains a community appearance where traditional residences and small shops coexist.
The Buenos Aires Underground also unveiled a memorial mural titled "Homenaje" (Tribute) at the nearby San José de Flores station. Created by artist Nora Iniesta, it is placed at the entrance leading to the cathedral.
Francis established his life direction during his youth, and the church still preserves the confessional where he resolved to devote himself to the priesthood. A memorial plaque and an eternal flame are set beside it, and many citizens fold their messages to him into notes and place them inside, making it a memorial space to express their longing.
Jorge García Cuerva, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, said during the memorial mass that Francis's advocacy during his lifetime for crossing differences and promoting dialogue remains a valuable reference for the current world. He called on society to seek connection amid differences and continue striving for peace.
Citizen Patricia Sánchez stated that she has lived in the Flores district since childhood and witnessed Francis's interactions with residents for a long time. "When Francis was still a bishop, he wore black shoes and a black robe walking here, being very close to everyone. I think he has always matched his words with deeds, which is the model we still need today." She also mentioned that Francis once told young people to create change, not settle for the status quo, and actively act for the public good, which she keeps firmly in mind.
Citizen Fernanda Jara said she is not a Catholic, but Francis has profound significance for Argentine society, especially the working class and grassroots people living in hardship. She pointed out that participating in the memorial event is also a response to the concept of social justice transcending partisan lines advocated by Francis.
Furthermore, according to Google Trends Argentina data, search volume related to "Pope Francis" peaked on the morning of April 21, focusing on the time and background of his passing, as well as related letters, quotes, and life experiences. This indicates that on this day, memories and discussions about Francis continue to be awakened in different corners of Argentine society. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150422
(CNA Reporter Huang Yun-ju, Buenos Aires, 22nd) Around 2,000 citizens in Argentina gathered at a church in Buenos Aires on the evening of the 21st to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of the late Pope Francis. They affirmed his spirit of "faith without borders" and his promotion of Catholic influence to the world.
Pope Francis was Argentine. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Although he never returned to his hometown during his tenure, Francis remained tightly connected to his native land through his words and deeds, conveying love and care.
Churches across Argentina held memorial masses for Francis on the 21st. The San José de Flores Cathedral in the Flores district of the capital, closely related to Francis's upbringing, became an important place for people to go for silent prayer and remembrance. The Flores district is located on the southwest side of the capital and still retains a community appearance where traditional residences and small shops coexist.
The Buenos Aires Underground also unveiled a memorial mural titled "Homenaje" (Tribute) at the nearby San José de Flores station. Created by artist Nora Iniesta, it is placed at the entrance leading to the cathedral.
Francis established his life direction during his youth, and the church still preserves the confessional where he resolved to devote himself to the priesthood. A memorial plaque and an eternal flame are set beside it, and many citizens fold their messages to him into notes and place them inside, making it a memorial space to express their longing.
Jorge García Cuerva, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, said during the memorial mass that Francis's advocacy during his lifetime for crossing differences and promoting dialogue remains a valuable reference for the current world. He called on society to seek connection amid differences and continue striving for peace.
Citizen Patricia Sánchez stated that she has lived in the Flores district since childhood and witnessed Francis's interactions with residents for a long time. "When Francis was still a bishop, he wore black shoes and a black robe walking here, being very close to everyone. I think he has always matched his words with deeds, which is the model we still need today." She also mentioned that Francis once told young people to create change, not settle for the status quo, and actively act for the public good, which she keeps firmly in mind.
Citizen Fernanda Jara said she is not a Catholic, but Francis has profound significance for Argentine society, especially the working class and grassroots people living in hardship. She pointed out that participating in the memorial event is also a response to the concept of social justice transcending partisan lines advocated by Francis.
Furthermore, according to Google Trends Argentina data, search volume related to "Pope Francis" peaked on the morning of April 21, focusing on the time and background of his passing, as well as related letters, quotes, and life experiences. This indicates that on this day, memories and discussions about Francis continue to be awakened in different corners of Argentine society. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150422