Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado
The final event of the second day of Pope Leo XIV’s Conference in Argentina began with a tribute to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the former archbishop of the capital, who has been Pope Francis since 2013.
It was at the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, where the pope went to pray Vespers with the bishops and the synod teams.
In his address to them, the pontiff spoke of unity and reconciliation.
POPE LEO XIV
Reconciliation requires acknowledging wounds, letting go of resentment, and allowing God’s grace to transform our relationships with one another. Our pastoral mission is to work tirelessly so that all people, those near and those far away, may come to know Christ and recognize one another as brothers and sisters.
The pope asked the bishops and pastoral workers to reach out to people, to look them in the face, so that they may understand their specific circumstances.
POPE LEO XIV
The unemployed, young people forced to emigrate, the elderly who are neglected, and marginalized communities; as well as those who, even though their material needs are met, feel a deep longing for God, for meaning, and for hope.
On July 7, 2013, a museum dedicated to Pope Francis was inaugurated in this cathedral, featuring some liturgical and personal items that Bergoglio used during his 15 years as archbishop of Buenos Aires.
