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BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentinians, having just celebrated Easter with family barbecues, woke Monday to the somber news of the passing of Pope Francis, the former bishop of Buenos Aires, who died in the Vatican at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.
Born Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, he made history as the first pope from Latin America. While some in Argentina expressed disappointment that he never returned to his homeland during his papacy, many appreciated his dedication to serving the marginalized and addressing social inequalities.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, who has now entered into eternal rest,” stated Javier Milei, the libertarian President of Argentina, on the social media platform X.
Milei, known for his fervent support of free-market policies, had previously been critical of the pope, accusing him of socialist tendencies and labeling him as the devil’s representative on Earth. However, the two seemed to have reconciled following Milei’s election.
The presidential office of Argentina acknowledged Pope Francis’ contributions, particularly his efforts in fostering inter-religious dialogue, inspiring youth spirituality, and advocating for fiscal discipline within the Vatican, which aligns with Milei’s approach to economic austerity.
“Despite any past disagreements, encountering his goodness and wisdom was a genuine privilege,” Milei continued in his message. “I extend my farewells to the Holy Father and stand with all who are mourning this loss today.”
In the early hours of Monday, as news spread outside the Buenos Aires cathedral, many citizens were just learning of the pope’s death while commuting to work. A memorial mass for Pope Francis was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. local time (1130 GMT).
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www.yahoo.com