Leaders of Judaism, Islam and several Christian denominations in Argentina paid tribute on Tuesday to Pope Francis’ "commitment to interfaith dialogue" during a Mass held at Buenos Aires Cathedral.
"This is everyone's house," said the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, at the start of the gathering, which took place in the afternoon at the neoclassical cathedral in the heart of the capital.
Hundreds of people of all ages climbed the front steps, now covered with lit candles, messages, photos and flowers laid in tribute to Francis, who died on Monday in Rome at the age of 88.
Also in attendance were Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos and Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, representing President Javier Milei’s government.
The President departed for Rome on Thursday night to attend the funeral of his fellow countryman.
"For those of us who believe in the transcendence of life and embrace a pluralist view of existence, we see in Pope Francis the great guide of our time," said Rabbi Daniel Goldman, who highlighted Bergoglio’s "commitment" to migrants, to interfaith dialogue, and to the environment.
Goldman noted that the Pope spoke "in direct language, accessible to all, simple" — but stressed that this "simplicity is not superficiality; simplicity is depth, simplicity is sophistication in the highest form of feeling and wisdom."
For his part, Imam Sheik Salim Delgado recalled Francis's visit to the Holy Land and his concern over armed conflicts. He praised the way the Pope "fostered bonds of brotherhood, built bridges" and "genuinely cared for the poor and most vulnerable."
The mass concluded with a heartfelt cry of "¡Viva Francisco!" and sustained applause, after which many of the faithful emerged in tears.
Among them was Érica Nieves, 42, leader of the "Pope Francis" boy scout group from Berazategui, in southern Buenos Aires.
"The truth is, now we’re left with the absence of a father figure — a guide who led the way," Nieves told AFP, accompanied by a group of children and young people aged 6 to 21, all dressed in traditional scout uniforms. "This little boy here with his mates, six years old, saying: ‘So where’s my friend Francis now?’"
Others have begun to wonder about the Church’s future and the legacy of Bergoglio, such as 70-year-old Francisco González, who said the Pope left behind a message of caring for "the earth, bread, work and shelter" for those in need.
"God willing, the new pope will share Francis’ vision," he said.
– TIMES/AFP
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