• Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires, passed away on April 21 at age 88.
• Throughout his papacy, he never returned to Argentina, leading to mixed feelings among his compatriots.
• His legacy includes a strong emphasis on social justice and support for the poor, earning him the nickname 'slum pope.'
• Mourners gathered in his hometown to pay tribute and remember his contributions to marginalized communities.
• Political and ideological challenges marked his relationship with Argentina’s leaders, impacting his decisions.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, died on April 21 at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke following a long illness. His death has left a profound impact in his homeland of Argentina, where he was seen not just as the pope, but as a beloved son of the nation. His papacy lasted from 2013 until his passing, and he was known for advocating the church’s social doctrine, particularly focusing on the needs of the poorest and marginalized communities, thus earning the moniker “the slum pope,” according to Latin America Reports.

Despite his significance, Francis never returned to Argentina after his election as pope—a decision influenced by a desire to avoid the country’s complex political landscape, particularly during the tenures of various contentious leaders, including Javier Milei, who had openly insulted him. The reluctance to revisit his native country created feelings of neglect among many Argentines who felt a personal connection to their pope. “We always hoped he would come back,” said a local mourner, illustrating the emotional chasm his absence left behind, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

Pope Francis was widely admired for his humble approach to leadership, which resonated deeply with the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, where he was often found sharing meals and engaging with local communities. His commitment to serving the marginalized was birthplace to his reputation as "the pope of the poor." He frequently traveled through these areas, building connections and advocating for those in need, according to TRT World and Reuters.

The streets of Flores, where Francis grew up, witnessed heartfelt gatherings as locals mourned the loss of a figure they felt close to. People gathered at the Basilica of San José de Flores to light candles and pay respects, demonstrating the deep cultural and emotional ties the community had with the pope. “It’s overwhelming to lose such a great man who stood beside the humble,” said one individual, reflecting the sentiments shared across many neighborhoods connected to Francis’ legacy, according to Latin America Reports and TRT World.

In the wake of his death, Pope Francis's funeral is set to attract global attention, with cardinals from around the world converging on the Vatican to select his successor. His influence on the Catholic Church and the broader social issues within Argentina is expected to persist, given his efforts to modernize church teachings and advocate for social justice which sometimes put him at odds with political leaders in his home country, according to Latin America Reports and Reuters.