Buenos Aires prepares for a series of honors to Pope Francis on Wednesday (23). The Argentine capital, the pontiff’s homeland, will be the scene of several masses in memory of the Catholic leader.
One of the most significant celebrations will take place in the Almagro neighborhood, the cradle of the San Lorenzo soccer club, whereby the Pope is a fervent fan. The Mass is scheduled for 7:15 pm at the Santo Antônio Oratory, where the club was founded by Father Lorenzo Massa.
San Lorenzo summoned their “Sanlorenzina family” to pay tribute to. The club board expects a significant presence of fans to honor the Pontiff, which has always openly expressed its passion for the team.
Tributes in the Metropolitan Cathedral
At the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where Francis celebrated Masses when he was the Archbishop of the city, the honors began days ago. Faithful deposit candles, flowers and letters thrilled in front of the temple. San Lorenzo shirts were also left as a symbol of affection for Pope fan.
A special mass is scheduled for 5:30 pm, presided by the current Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In addition, other churches in the city, especially in popular neighborhoods where Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has developed an extensive social action network, will also hold celebrations throughout the day.
The Basilica of Flores, where the young Bergoglio felt his priestly vocation, is also a pilgrimage point and honors. In his memories, the Pope describes the moment of his confession in this church as “the most beautiful of his life,” when he felt the call to the priesthood.
Despite the various honors, observers note that popular manifestations in Buenos Aires have been relatively contained for an Argentine Pope. Some attribute this moderate reaction to the fact that Francis never visited Argentina during his papacy, which generated some resentment among his countrymen.
